Mean Platelet Volume Test-Why am I having this test?

Platelets are specialized cells that help the blood clot. When you get a tissue injury like a cut, platelets gather at the site of the injury to stop the bleeding. You may have the mean platelet volume (MPV) test if:

• You have a low platelet count and your health care provider is trying to determine the cause.
• You have symptoms of abnormal platelet production, such as excessive bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes.

This test may be done as part of a blood test that checks specific types of cells in the blood (complete blood count).

What is being tested?

This test measures the average size (mean volume) of your platelets. The average size (mean platelet volume, MPV) gives your health care provider information about how the platelets are being made in your body.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as an MPV value. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common normal reference range is 7.4–10.4 fL.

What do the results mean?

If your result is higher than the reference range, this may be a sign that you have:

• Disease of one or more heart valves.
• Low platelet count and poor blood clotting (immune thrombocytopenia).
• Bleeding (hemorrhaging) somewhere in your body.
• A lack (deficiency) of vitamin B12.
• Folate deficiency.
• Certain types of cancer, such as myelogenous leukemia.

If your result is lower than the reference range, this may be a sign that you have:

• Aplastic anemia. This is a condition in which the soft tissue inside the bones (bone marrow) does not make enough blood cells, including platelets.
• Complications from chemotherapy.
• Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome. This is a condition that includes a skin rash, a weakened disease-fighting (immune) system, low platelet count, and a low MPV.

MPV results by themselves are not enough to make a diagnosis. If your results are higher or lower than the reference range, you will need more tests to confirm a diagnosis. Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• Platelets are specialized cells that help the blood clot. When you get a tissue injury like a cut, platelets gather at the site of the injury to stop the bleeding.
• This test measures the average size (mean volume) of your platelets. The average size (mean platelet volume, MPV) gives your health care provider information about how the platelets are being made in your body.
• Test results that are higher or lower than normal may be a sign of a health condition. Your health care provider may order more tests to confirm a diagnosis.