MPV Blood Test: High and Low Results Explanation

If your blood test shows your mean platelet count (MPV) high or low, it may need more investigation.

A healthcare provider suggests the MPV test to track your MPV levels. Common symptoms associated with a need to get tested for MPV include 

• Bleed after brushing teeth.
• Nosebleeds
• Burning sensation in the feet and hands. 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Prolonged bleeding
• Small red/purple spots on the skin. 

Today’s blog is a comprehensive guide to high and low MPV levels. So, why wait? Let’s discover it in detail. 

What is an MPV?

Mean platelet count (MPV) measures the average size of your platelets. Platelets are responsible for clotting. The MPV testing is often a part of complete blood count (CBC), helping to assess conditions related to blood count, bone marrow function, and cardiovascular health. 

MPV is an important marker of platelet function and overall blood health. Any abnormalities in an MPV blood test can indicate potential health issues. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/mean-platelet-volume-mpv-test-purpose-results-and-more/

High MPV Levels: Symptoms, Causes, and Implications

Normal MPV levels typically fall within the range of 7 to 12 femtoliters. High MPV levels mean that your platelets are larger than normal. They can be more than 12 femtoliters. 

8 common symptoms associated with high MPV: 

1. Frequent blood clots
2. Unexplained bleeding
3. Headaches or dizziness
4. Severe chest pain
5. Unexplained weight loss
6. Fatigue
7. Feeling weak
8. Pain 

8 Possible Causes of High MPV Levels

Below are possible causes for high MPV levels: 

• Blood loss can cause high MPV levels, which occurs due to trauma or surgical procedures. Hence, your body utilizes platelets to repair the wound and stop the blood loss.
• Bone marrow disorders: These disorders indicate problems with stem cells. For instance, essential thrombocythemia is a rare blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces countless platelets. Additionally, high MPV levels can also be due to polycythemia vera (blood cancer), indicating an overproduction of blood cells, including platelets.
• Cardiovascular risks: Your high MPV test results may also be linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The larger the platelets, the more reactive and prone they are to clotting. 
• Autoimmune diseases: Elevated MPV levels can be frequently observed in patients with an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis. Additionally, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can increase the size of platelets. 
• Infections and inflammation: Bacterial infection or gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that shows ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine, so your platelet count will remain high until the condition is high. 
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity have been associated with increased MPV levels, indicating a higher risk of blood clot formation. 
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: High MPV levels may occur due to hyperthyroidism or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a type of cancer. 
• Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Additionally, the MPV levels can be significantly higher in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus compared to controlled DM patients and a higher percentage of MPV. 

Other Factors that Can Contribute to High MPV Levels: 

• Pre-Eclampsia: This condition indicates complications in pregnancy. The MPV levels are higher in women with pre-eclampsia. In other words, elevated levels of MPV are considered a valuable marker for the prevalence of this condition. 
• Sickle cell anemia: Patients with sickle cell anemia often have high MPV levels due to increased platelet activation and turnover, producing larger platelets. 
• Digestive Cancers such as colorectal cancer, pancreas cancer, or gastric cancer lead to elevated MPV levels. Cancer affects blood cell production, inflammation, and platelet activation. 
• Vitamin D deficiency: A study reveals that a low vitamin D is correlated with a high MPV. 

These are a few reasons behind the larger-than-normal MPV levels. This may mean that your older platelets are being destroyed at an increased rate, and the formation of new platelets by your bone marrow. 

Low MPV Levels: Symptoms, Causes, and Implications

A low MPV means your platelets are smaller than normal, less than 8 femtoliters. Low MPV test results generally suggest older platelets and your bone marrow is not making enough platelets. 

8 common symptoms associated with Low MPV: 

1. Excessive bleeding from the nose or gums
2. Frequent bruising 
3. Slow wound healing 
4. Tiredness
5. weakness
6. Blood in your stool, urine, or vomit
7. Black stool
8. Heavy menstrual periods

9 Possible Causes of Low MPV Levels 

Your MPV test results may show low MPV levels due to: 

• Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to generate enough red and white blood cells and platelets. This can cause weakness or fatigue, which in turn can lead to low MPV levels. Additionally, impaired platelet production in the bone marrow can lead to thrombocytopenia (a viral infection), leading to abnormal bleeding and low MPV. 
• Decreased MPV levels are also associated with leukemia or other blood cancers, such as gallbladder and renal cell carcinoma. 
• Chronic Diseases like kidney disease can affect size and function, leading to low MPV levels. 
• Chemotherapy-induced platelet suppression: These treatments can damage your bone marrow, reducing platelet production and lowering MPV values. 
• Autoimmune conditions: Diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), marrow hypoplasia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and primary or secondary thrombocytosis may destroy platelets, leading to lower MPV. 
• Low MPV levels can be caused by genetic conditions such as Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome (HPS), Chediak Higashi Syndrome (CHS), or Gricelli Syndrome. 
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD): Yes, MPV levels are significantly low in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin B12, folate, or iris deficiency can also cause smaller platelets and reduced MV.
• Side effects of certain medications, such as statins, can significantly reduce MPV. 

When to see a doctor?

Whether your MPV levels are high or low, consult your MPV test results with your healthcare provider. He will assess your report and determine the underlying cause. Do not delay if you experience frequent bleeding, cardiovascular symptoms, or unexplained bruising; meet a doctor immediately.

Helpful Tips to Maintain Healthy MPV Levels

You should see your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal symptoms or have MPV test results. However, some helpful tips for maintaining healthy MPV levels at home are below. 

1. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a nutrient-dense diet containing vitamin B12, folate, and iron-rich foods can help. 
2. Stay hydrated: This is not a secret anymore; staying hydrated can support healthy blood cell production. 
3. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol production: This can help maintain platelet function. 
4. Manage chronic disease: Regular checkups are essential to keep diabetes, kidney, and liver diseases under control. 

Remember, early diagnosis and timely intervention not only help keep conditions in control but also prevent future complications.

Conclusion

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a key indicator of overall blood health. Remember, slight variations in your MPV levels are normal, and persistently high or low values may cause concern, indicating an underlying health condition. 

You can maintain optimal MPV levels by doing regular checkups, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A Health Note from Redcliffe Labs

If your doctor recommends an MPV test based on the underlying symptoms, you can get tested at home with us. With our home sample collection facility, Redcliffe Labs assures a professional blood draw from the comfort of your room. 

Call or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book the MPV test online. 

Stepwise information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Once booked, the blood collection expert will visit you with blood-collecting equipment. Once the blood is collected, he will send it to the Lab for expert analysis and report generation. The MPV test reports are typically available within a time frame. 

Consult your MPV test results with your healthcare provider for personalized management and advice. 

FAQs

1. What happens during the MPV blood test?

During the MPV blood test, the expert inserts a needle into a vein in your arm. He will collect the blood sample into a blood collection tube, label it, and deliver it to the lab for analysis. 

2. Is an MPV blood test safe?

Yes, an MPV blood test is safe. Since it involves a needle, you may experience slight bruising or soreness at the blood draw site, but these symptoms will disappear within a few days. 

3. Do increased MPV levels mean cancer?

Yes, increased MPV levels can be associated with cancer, such as lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or/and pancreatic cancer. This is due to having a family history of cancer or other risk factors.