Mean platelet volume

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Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a machine-calculated measurement of the average size of platelets found in blood and is typically included in blood tests as part of the CBC. Since the average platelet size is larger when the body is producing increased numbers of platelets the MPV test results can be used to make inferences about platelet production in bone marrow or platelet destruction problems.^[1]

MPV is higher when there is destruction to platelets. This may be seen as in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and in myeloproliferative diseases and Bernard-Soulier syndrome. It may also be related to pre-eclampsia, and recovery from transient hypoplasia.^[2]

Abnormally low MPV values correlate primarily with thrombocytopenia when it is due to impaired production as in aplastic anemia. You may want to research megakaryocyte if you are looking into causes and related information for a low MPV.

A typical range of platelet volumes is 9.7–12.8 fL (femtolitre), equivalent to spheres 2.65 to 2.9 µm in diameter. Normal range is given as 7.5-11.5 fL.

External links

• MPV Definition
• [3] Medicinenet.com: Thrombocytopenia
• [4] Diabetesexplained.com: MPV
• [5] ahajournals.org: Article related to MPV
• [6]: NIH.gov: article related to MPV
• [7] Wisegeekcom: What is Mean Platelet Volume
• [8] Clinlabnavigator.com: MPV

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