Is Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) Included in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
Yes, mean platelet volume (MPV) is routinely included as a standard component of the complete blood count (CBC) when performed on automated hematology analyzers. 1, 2
What MPV Measures
- MPV is an automated measurement of platelet size that has been integrated into routine CBC analysis since the development of impedance-based automated cell counters 1, 2
- The parameter is automatically calculated and reported during standard CBC processing without requiring any additional testing or specimen 2
- Normal MPV values typically range from 7.2 to 11.7 fL in healthy adults, with a mean of approximately 8.9 ± 1.4 fL 3
Clinical Utility of MPV
- MPV helps classify platelet disorders when combined with platelet count, allowing categorization into nine diagnostic categories based on whether each parameter is high, low, or normal 1
- High MPV with low platelet count indicates hyperdestructive causes of thrombocytopenia (such as immune thrombocytopenia), while low MPV with thrombocytopenia suggests hypoproliferative causes like sepsis, aplastic anemia, or myelosuppressive drug effects 1
- The parameter demonstrates an inverse relationship with platelet count in normal subjects, with MPV changes most pronounced at lower platelet counts 4
Important Caveats About MPV
- Preanalytical conditions significantly affect MPV accuracy, including time to analysis, anticoagulant type (EDTA vs. citrate), and storage temperature 2
- No standardized preanalytical protocols exist across laboratories, which creates substantial variability in reported values and limits comparability between studies 2
- Spurious MPV values can occur in patients with red blood cell fragments, leukemic blast fragments, or other cellular debris that interfere with automated platelet sizing 4
- MPV should always be interpreted in conjunction with platelet count and peripheral blood smear review, not as an isolated value 1, 4