What if mpv is low

The mean platelet volume is the measure of the size of the platelets in the blood. The size of the platelets is reported as femtoliters, and a normal MPV is 8—12 femtoliters. The MPV also is an indicator of how active platelets are. Obtaining an MPV can be helpful when looking into the causes of platelet disorders such as thrombocytopenia , or low platelet counts, or thrombocytosis , which is an elevation in platelet counts.

To test the MPV, a sample of blood is taken from a vein, most often in the hand or arm. The blood is collected into a sample tube and is then analyzed by a specialized machine. A report showing that the MPV is less than 8 femtoliters means the platelets are small in size.

Small platelets are generally older platelets, as new platelets that are released into the circulation are typically larger. When evaluating the MPV, it is important to know that an MPV level on its own is not diagnostic of anything in particular. Instead, the reading needs to be looked at in the context of the total number of platelets compared to their size. The MPV can decrease despite the number of platelets that are found. When thrombocytopenia low platelet count is present with a low MPV, it can indicate that the low platelet counts are due to the bone marrow not functioning properly.

An abnormally functioning bone marrow can be found in conditions such as aplastic anemia, when your bone marrow stops producing enough blood cells. A higher-than-normal platelet count thrombocytosis can be caused by a variety of factors. However, when thrombocytosis occurs with a low MPV, it is likely due to a reaction to something else, such as inflammation, infection, or cancer. The size of the platelets can be small, resulting in a low MPV, even if the platelet count is normal.

This is often the case in people living with kidney disease. It can also be seen as a side effect of some medications. Multiple conditions can cause a low MPV. These conditions include:. When reviewing blood tests, the MPV is only one of many blood tests performed. The MPV in and of itself does not diagnose any specific disease or disorder but is looked at in combination with other blood tests to come up with a diagnosis.

If you have any questions about any of your blood tests, you should check with your healthcare provider for answers and clarification. The MPV is a measure of the size of the platelets in the blood. Platelets play an important role in preventing bleeding and healing blood vessel walls.

When an MPV is low, the size of the platelets is smaller than average. Overall, while it is certainly a helpful value to consider, MPV should be considered along with your overall health status and your other lab results.

Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Front Cell Neurosci. Coronary artery bypass grafting in idiopathic thrombocytopenia: use of thromboelastometry without platelet transfusion.

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HIV Med. Mean platelet volume and cardiovascular outcomes in acute myocardial infarction. Heart Asia. Epub Nov 4. Joergensen MK, Bathum L. Reference intervals for mean platelet volume and immature platelet fraction determined on a sysmex XE hematology analyzer. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. Epub Feb 6. Epub Aug 7. Epub Oct It may be due to an occasional situation or because your normal values are in this range. If you have no other blood parameter altered and no symptoms, there is no much to worry about.

It is probable that in the next test your values return to the normal range. MPV values are too low. It may be due to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. It is a rare disease where MPV is usually between 3 and 5 fl, there is a low platelet count in the blood, as well as skin eczema and immunodeficiency.

The MPV may increase if the underlying disease is properly treated. Many times, it is only due to an infection or inflammation. Once the problem is solved, MPV return to normal range. People with a low MPV bleed easily. Therefore, it is not recommended to take aspirin or other anticoagulants.

The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances. Anemia Autoimmune diseases Cancer Childhood diseases. Hematology Infectious diseases Inflammatory diseases Kidney diseases.