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MPV

Blood clotting Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Blood clotting

Overview

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is a laboratory measurement of the average size of platelets in the blood, reported in femtoliters (fL). It is measured as part of the platelet indices on a complete blood count and reflects platelet production and turnover by the bone marrow. Abnormal MPV can suggest conditions such as increased platelet destruction (with compensatory production), bone marrow disorders, myeloproliferative diseases, or increased thrombotic risk (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Symptoms that may prompt testing include unexplained bruising, bleeding, petechiae, or thrombotic events (clotting). MPV can vary with age, sex, pregnancy, smoking, metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity), and pre-analytical factors (time from sample draw).

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: included in the Blood clotting/platelet indices portion of a complete blood count (CBC).
Symptoms: unexplained bleeding, easy bruising, recurrent clots, or monitoring platelet-related disease.
Diagnoses/monitoring: platelet production vs.
destruction, marrow disorders, risk stratification for thrombotic disease.
Reasons for abnormal levels: altered marrow production, increased peripheral destruction, inflammation, medications, or technical sample issues.
Biological meaning: high MPV = larger, younger, more reactive platelets; low MPV = smaller, older or underproduced platelets.
Lifestyle/family: smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history of bleeding or clotting disorders may warrant testing.

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Understanding Test Results

Values below 7.5 fL indicate a low MPV and may reflect decreased platelet production by the bone marrow (aplastic anemia, marrow suppression after chemotherapy, certain inherited platelet disorders) or the presence of many small platelets; very low values (<6.0–7.0 fL) suggest significant marrow impairment.
Values within 7.5–11.5 fL are considered normal.
Values above 11.5 fL indicate a high MPV and suggest larger, younger, and more reactive platelets commonly seen with increased peripheral platelet destruction (immune thrombocytopenia), recovery after marrow suppression, myeloproliferative disorders, or inflammatory and metabolic states (diabetes, smoking, obesity).
Marked elevation (>12–14 fL) may correlate with increased thrombotic risk (heart attack, stroke) and warrants correlation with platelet count and clinical context.
Note: MPV is affected by time after blood draw, anticoagulant used, and lab methodology, so results must be interpreted alongside platelet count and clinical findings.

Normal Range

7.5-11.5 fL

FAQs

Q: What does a high MPV mean?

A: A high mean platelet volume (MPV) means platelets are larger and often more reactive. It can indicate increased platelet production or turnover—seen with inflammation, infection, immune platelet destruction, bleeding, or recovery after bone marrow stimulation. Higher MPV is associated with greater clotting tendency and a modestly increased cardiovascular risk (thrombosis, stroke). Results require clinical context; doctors compare MPV with platelet count and symptoms to guide testing.

Q: Which deficiency causes high MPV?

A: Vitamin B12 (and folate) deficiency may cause increased MPV because megaloblastic marrow produces larger, immature platelets. High MPV is also seen with increased platelet turnover or destruction (for example immune thrombocytopenia) and in some myeloproliferative disorders. Interpret MPV alongside platelet count, peripheral smear and clinical findings; measure B12/folate levels when megaloblastic features are suspected.

Q: What does it mean when your MPV is low?

A: MPV (mean platelet volume) measures average platelet size. A low MPV means platelets are smaller than usual and often indicates reduced platelet production by the bone marrow seen with bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia, myelodysplasia), some inherited platelet conditions, or after chemotherapy. It can also result from lab artifact. Discuss results with your clinician; they may repeat tests or investigate bone marrow function.

Q: Can high MPV mean infection?

A: Mean platelet volume (MPV) can be elevated in acute infections and inflammatory states because the bone marrow releases larger, younger platelets. However, a high MPV is nonspecific—other causes include platelet disorders, myeloproliferative diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. MPV should be interpreted alongside other blood tests and clinical findings; discuss results with your clinician for appropriate follow-up or further testing.

Q: Can high MPV be treated?

A: Yes. High MPV is a lab marker, not a disease; treatment focuses on underlying causes and reducing clotting risk. Management can include treating infections or inflammation, controlling diabetes, blood pressure and lipids, lifestyle changes (stop smoking, exercise), and, when indicated, antiplatelet or statin therapy. Refer to hematology for suspected bone‑marrow or myeloproliferative disorders that need specific therapy.

Q: What cancers have high MPV?

A: High MPV has been reported in several solid tumors, notably colorectal and gastric (stomach) cancers, lung cancer, hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, and ovarian cancer. Elevated MPV may reflect platelet activation and has been linked to more advanced disease or poorer prognosis in some studies; however MPV findings vary by cancer type and individual factors, so it’s not a standalone diagnostic marker.