Mean platelet volume (MPV)

What it measures

The average size of platelets. Young platelets are larger, so MPV helps tell whether low counts come from destruction or poor production.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA)
• Tube: Lavender top
• Preparation: Platelets swell in EDTA over time; test within 2–4 h for best accuracy.

Reference range

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

• Immune platelet destruction (ITP)
• Recovery from marrow suppression
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms
• Inherited giant-platelet disorders (e.g. Bernard-Soulier)

Causes of low values

• Marrow hypoplasia or aplastic anemia
• Chemotherapy
• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
• Hypersplenism

Method

Derived from the platelet volume histogram on the analyzer

Good to know

Reference ranges depend heavily on analyzer and anticoagulant, so compare only with the local lab's range.

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