One of the best ways to classify anemia is by the MCV, or mean corpuscular volume, which is expressed in femtoliters (fL). The MCV helps you think about the cause of the anemia and how to evaluate for it: Microcytic anemias (low MVC, < 79 fL): Think TAIL: thalassemia, anemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency anemia, lead poisoning. Macrocytic Based on the erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV), anemia can be categorized as microcytic (MCV < 80 fL), normocytic (MCV 80–100 fL) or macrocytic (MCV > 100 fL) 21. Microcytic anemia is most commonly due to iron deficiency (other, less common causes include thalassemia and anemia of chronic diseases), while the differential diagnosis of An MCV of greater than 115 fL is more specific for vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency than other causes of macrocytosis, however, a normal MCV does not rule out megaloblastic anemia. A reticulocyte count is also indicated in the workup of this disease. MCHC Results and What They Mean. A low MCHC (hypochromia) may mean that there is a lower concentration of hemoglobin within a given volume of red blood cells and, hence, a reduced capacity to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. A high MCHC (hyperchromia) can mean that there is a higher hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells than usual. What is MCV? It is calculated along with the blood cell count of RBC, WBC and platelets and is used for diagnosing a wide range of diseases. The MCV value is either low or high. A high MCV value is often referred to as a case of Macrocytosis, and a case of low MCV value is called Microcytosis. Macrocytosis means large RBCs in a blood sample There are a number of symptoms that people with low MCHC levels often have. They generally relate to iron deficiency anemia and include: fatigue and chronic tiredness. shortness of breath. pale There are several causes of low hemoglobin related to problems with bleeding, red blood cell production, nutrient intake and absorption, and others. Symptoms of low hemoglobin include headaches, fatigue, fast heartbeat, and pale skin. Treatments for low hemoglobin include iron supplements, iron therapy, blood transfusion, surgery, and treating Common causes of macrocytosis include: Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Folate deficiency. A side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, seizures and autoimmune disorders. Increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow to correct anemia, for example, after blood loss. An underlying bone marrow cancer called NMdD.