MPV Blood Test Test

What this test measures

MPV stands for mean platelet volume. It measures the average size of your platelets. Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are small blood cells that stick together to make blood clots that stop or slow bleeding when you have a cut or injury. Platelets are made in your bone marrow. Looking at the size of platelets provides information about how well they're working.

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

With a high MPV test result, your platelets are larger than usual. This may mean that your older (smaller) platelets are being destroyed at an increased rate and your bone marrow is making many new platelets. That can be a sign of: Thrombocytopenia, not having enough platelets; Myeloproliferative diseases, blood cancers in which the bone marrow makes too many platelets or other blood cells; Preeclampsia, a complication that usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure; Heart disease; Diabetes; Hemolytic anemia.

Lower-than-normal results

With a low MPV test result, your platelets are smaller than usual. This may mean your bone marrow isn’t making enough new platelets. That can be a sign of: Certain cancers; Side effects from certain medicines; Aplastic anemia; Autoimmune diseases; Bacterial or viral infections; Genetic conditions; Alcohol use disorder (AUD).