Blood; contains different types of cells, such as red and white blood cells and platelets. All of these cells continue to exist in a balance in the blood between certain value ranges. Disruption of the balance between blood cells, an increase or decrease in the amount of some blood cells can also be a sign of various diseases. One of these blood cells used in the investigation of diseases by looking at blood tests is MPV. MPV, which is the short name of the parameter named Mean Platelet Volume in English, means mean platelet volume. As a result of examining the blood sample with the help of special devices, the mean size of platelets can be calculated and MPV measurement can be made. This value is investigated as part of a group of tests called a complete blood count or hemogram.
What is MPV?
In case of any injury to the body, platelets come together to prevent blood clotting and This allows the bleeding to stop. In addition, platelets play an important role in repairing the damage to the vessel wall. There are 150-400 thousand platelets in the blood circulation. Their volumes are calculated with a test called MPV (mean platelet volume).
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a blood test that calculates the average size of platelets in the blood count, including the measurement of the platelet count in the blood. MPV examination can be performed in patients with complaints such as recurrent nosebleeds, red spots on the skin, unexplained bruises on the skin, and difficulty in stopping bleeding, apart from routine scans. The data obtained as a result of the MPV test can be used for various purposes such as investigating the health status of the individual, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment or recovery.
In some cases, differences in MPV values may occur depending on the health problems of the individual, the use of certain drugs or the side effects of certain treatments. As a result of the MPV test, the cause of platelet volumes determined to be below or above the required value range should be investigated and further diagnostic tests should be applied.
What Should the MPV Value be?
Average platelet count for adult individuals The reference range of the MPV value showing the volume of It can be specified as 11.5 fl. Although this is an average value, the lower and upper limits of reference values may differ slightly from laboratory to laboratory. The MPV value gives an idea of the platelet production in the bone marrow. The larger volume of platelets produced recently may provide information about the cause of MPV elevation.
MPV, which is a very easy blood test, is usually applied as part of a hemogram test that investigates a group of blood parameters. Cases where it is investigated alone are extremely rare. The most important advantages are that it is a low-cost and rapid test that can be applied in primary health care institutions, and that it can provide information about many health problems, especially bleeding disorders. This test can be applied in case of suspicion of any disease or during routine health screenings.
While taking the blood sample for the test, a tourniquet is applied to the arm by the healthcare professional and the vessels are seen more clearly. Then, the required amount of blood sample is taken with the help of a fine needle. This procedure, which is completed in a few seconds, usually does not carry any risk of complications. Rarely, conditions such as low blood pressure due to blood draw, swelling in the area where the blood was taken, mild pain, bruising can be seen. Sitting and resting for a few minutes after the application and applying pressure to the application area for a certain period of time with the help of sterile cotton given by the healthcare professional will prevent these complications.
For a complete blood count test, usually a single tube of blood sample is sufficient. However, if there are different tests requested by your doctor, you may need to give several tubes of blood. Test results are usually available the same day or the day after the procedure. After the results are obtained, they must be shown to the physician.
What is MPV Height?
A high MPV value indicates that the mean platelet volume is above normal. In some cases, this may indicate that platelet production is excessive. New and young platelets produced in the bone marrow and released into the circulation are larger in size. Small-sized platelets are thought to be present in the blood circulation for a few days. knows.
A low platelet count and high MPV mean that the bone marrow produces platelets rapidly. In such a case, it is possible that the bone marrow is producing platelets very quickly in order to compensate for this, due to excessive platelet destruction. The MPV value indicates the average size of the platelets, not the number, and therefore cannot be used alone to diagnose any disease. The cause of MPV elevation can be investigated by combining platelet count, other parameters in blood count, and different blood tests. Some conditions that can be counted among the causes of high mean platelet volume are:
- Cancers
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Bleeding diseases
- Preeclampsia in pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
- Stroke (stroke)
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes (diabetes) disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Obesity
What is MPV Low?
In addition to the high MPV in the blood, in some cases, the problem of low MPV may also be encountered. This means that the mean volume of platelets is smaller than normal. Small volume platelets are usually aged platelets. Therefore, a low MPV test result may indicate that platelet production has slowed. Many reasons, such as slowing down platelet production in the bone marrow for any reason, increased platelet destruction, may lead to a decrease in the MPV value in the blood.
While considering such possibilities, MPV value cannot be used as a stand-alone determinant and requires additional diagnostic tests. In addition to other blood parameters included in the blood count, different diagnostic tests should be applied, taking into account the symptoms and discomforts of the patient. Some conditions that may cause a low MPV value are:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
- Cytotoxic drugs used in the chemotherapy phase in cancer treatment
- Extreme anemia ( anemia)
- Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome
For some people, a high or low MPV value may be an expected situation and can be considered normal. There may be predictable differences in MPV level, especially in people receiving cancer treatment or those with bleeding diseases. Therefore, when you have your test results in hand, it will be the best option to consult your doctor directly and consider your doctor's recommendations instead of interpreting your results according to reference values. If there is any disease that causes this condition, initiation of treatment for it may return MPV values to normal. In MPV changes due to chronic disease or long-term treatments, blood values can be kept under regular follow-up with blood tests.
If you have seen that your MPV value is high or low in your blood test, you can consult your doctor and get information about the causes of this situation. If necessary, you can also have additional diagnostic tests done, so that your possible health problems can be detected at an early stage and you can continue your life in a healthier way. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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