Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) Test: Purpose, Results, and More

Do you know that prolonged bleeding or small red or purple spots on the skin can be a serious health concern? 

Hence, your doctor may suggest an MPV blood test to detect the real cause of the problem. Let’s discover it in detail. 

What is an MPV blood test?

An MPV blood test, or mean platelet volume test, helps measure the average size of your platelets. Platelets are blood cells responsible for forming blood clots that help prevent infection, promote healing, and slow blood loss. 

A healthcare provider may like to check your MPV levels based on the following symptoms: prolonged bleeding, even from minor cuts; bleeding from brushing your teeth; bruising easily; abnormal vaginal bleeding; feeling weak or dizzy; or lasting headaches and dizziness. 

What does MPV stand for? 

The MPV stands for the following: 

• Mean: It is a mathematical average. Its purpose is to calculate an average of a given data set. 
• Platelets: These are blood cells that help your blood clot. 
• Volume is the amount of space a substance occupies. 

Note: The average platelet size in a blood sample provides a clear picture of the blood cells. Any abnormalities may indicate a blood disorder or other health condition affecting your bone marrow. However, having a high or low MPV doesn’t confirm anything and should be interpreted with CBC test results. 

Common Causes of MPV Blood Test

Common causes for increased platelet size, resulting in an MPV blood test, include: 

• Long-term vigorous exercise
• Mental and physical stress
• People with panic disorders
• Certain medications
• Infections

What is the purpose of the MPV blood test?

The MPV blood test is a part of a complete blood count (CBC) and provides helpful information about your platelets. A platelet count reveals the number of platelets you have in your blood. Just like MPV, PDW, which is platelet distribution width, is a part of CBC and reveals how varied the width of your platelets is. .

MPV and PDW help investigate several conditions, including: 

• Thrombocytopenia: Low blood count
• Thrombocytosis: High blood count 

What is the procedure for an MPV blood test?

The procedure of an MPV blood test is quick and simple. It is performed by a doctor, nurse, or phlebotomist. Your healthcare provider is an expert in blood sample collection; therefore, you can expect painless blood draws. 

As a part of the procedure, the expert will look for a suitable vein in your arm. Once found, he will clean the site with a disinfectant to minimize the chances of infection. Then, he may ask you to make a fist and tie a tourniquet band around your arm. Further, he will insert the needle into your vein to draw a small amount of blood. 

After drawing the blood, the expert will open the band and apply cotton gauze to the puncture site. Lastly, he will transfer the blood into a vial and label it before sending it to the laboratory for analysis. 

Are there any preparations for the MPV blood test?

Typically, you need not make any special preparations for the MPV blood test. No fasting is required, thus allowing you to eat food or drink anything (except alcohol) before the test. 

Discuss your doubts with your provider before the MPV blood test. This helps get the most accurate test results. An MPV blood test is usually recommended alongside other tests to check your blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Hence, you may require fasting before the test. 

What do normal MPV blood test results mean?

Your MPV blood test results may show normal or abnormal results. Different labs have different ranges for normal, high, or low results. In general, a range for normal MPV blood test results is 7 fL to 9 fL (femtoliters) for adults (except pregnant ladies.). 

What does high MPV mean?

A high MPV blood test signals larger-than-normal platelets. A high number of platelets may indicate your bone marrow is producing a lot of new platelets and older ones are destroying at a fast rate. 

Conditions that are responsible for high MPV include: 

• Cancer (blood, prostate, liver, breast, and multiple myeloma) 
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Immune thrombocytopenia
• Preeclampsia
• Deficiency of vitamin B12, D, or folate
• Macrothrombocytopenia 
• Hyperthyroidism
• Rheumatoid arthritis

What does low MPV mean?

If your MPV blood test results are low, it shows smaller platelets than normal. It may also mean that not enough new platelets are being produced. 

Conditions that are likely to cause low MPV and variable platelet counts include: 

• Ulcerative colitis
• Appendicitis
• Lupus
• Gallbladder issue
• Infection’
• Overdrinking 

Additionally, platelet destruction occurs if you have anemia, are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, or are taking chemotherapy medications. 

Discuss your MPV blood test reports with your healthcare provider and understand the specific meaning of abnormalities in your reports. 

Other Factors that Can Affect Your MPV Test Results

High or low MPV blood test results indicate a disease or a specific condition. Nevertheless, the platelet count can also be affected by other conditions such as: 

• High altitudes: People living at higher altitudes may be a possible risk factor for heart disease. 
• Smoking: There may be an increase in MPV levels due to smoking. 
• High glucose levels: There is a correlation between MPV and blood glucose. MPV is higher in hyperglycemic conditions and increases platelet activation. 

Additionally, oral contraceptives, certain medicines, lifestyle, history, and working environment can show abnormal MPV results. 

Conclusion 

Don’t be afraid to see low or high MPV test results. It is just one of the causes of determining the health of your blood cells. The healthcare provider may suggest a test to diagnose bleeding disorders and bone marrow diseases. 

Follow all the expert's instructions, including additional testing if required, to rule out underlying conditions. 

Nevertheless, eat a balanced diet and follow a good regimen to keep yourself fit and healthy. 

Book a Blood Test Online from Redcliffe Labs! 

Download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a blood test online to check for MPV levels. You can also call directly and avail yourself of the services. The phlebotomist will come to your home with a sample collection kit, ensuring painless blood draws. Get the most accurate MPV blood test reports typically within deadlines. 

Stepwise information on booking a blood test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

FAQs: 

Why is my MPV low?

A low MPV could be related to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chemotherapy, or certain cancers such as breast, prostate, or liver. 

What is an MPV blood test?

A mean platelet volume, or an MPV blood test helps detect the total number of platelets in your body. It is performed to monitor blood-related disorders and may also diagnose other health-related conditions. 

How can I reduce MPV naturally?

You can reduce MPV naturally by quitting smoking, eating a nutrient-dense diet, exercising daily, checking your vitamin D levels, losing weight, and addressing the underlying issue.