An increase in the MPV value is a sign of increased thrombopoiesis. Normal platelet lifespan is 7-10 days. Under normal conditions, one third of the platelets are found in the spleen.

MPV Test

Platelets in the blood are the basic cells of the bleeding prevention and coagulation mechanisms. The mean platelet volume is the measurement of the mean size of the platelets in the vessels.

MPV values are calculated along with other tests as part of the complete blood count. While platelets are larger when they first emerge from the bone marrow, they decrease in size as they age. The mean size and estimated mean age of the platelets can also be calculated with the MPV value.

An increase in the MPV value is a sign of increased thrombopoiesis. Normal platelet lifespan is 7-10 days. Under normal conditions, one third of the platelets are found in the spleen.



The size of platelets is expressed in a unit of measurement called the femtoliter (fL). A normal platelet is about 8–12 fL. The MPV value is associated with cytokines such as thrombopoietin, interleukin-6 and interleukin-3, which regulate platelet volume, megakaryocytes and platelet count and cause larger platelets to be produced. When platelet production in the bone marrow decreases, the mean platelet volume (MPV) remains high, as older platelets will decrease.

MPV should be investigated in all thrombocytopenic patients. If the MPV is >8 fL, it is stated that the risk of bleeding is less. In cases where the MPV value is >11 fL, familial macroplatelet diseases should be considered. In particular, the presence of individuals with early-onset cataract, hearing loss and kidney failure in the family should be questioned. There are studies emphasizing that MPV values are associated with prognosis, especially in intensive care and some cardiac patients.

MPV is a marker of platelet activity and function. When platelet production increases, the MPV level rises. Low MPV levels are seen in acute appendicitis. The MVP value is usually interpreted together with the red cell distribution width (RDW) value. Other tests may also be evaluated.

Low MPV may not always be an indicator of disease. Abnormalities in MPV value are evaluated by comparison with other blood tests. If necessary, a peripheral blood smear can be re-examined or further investigations can be performed.



The number of platelets in the blood is inversely proportional to their size. As the platelet count decreases, its size increases, and as it increases, its size decreases. MPV is one of the most widely used markers of platelet function and has been shown to reflect inflammatory burden and disease activity in preeclampsia, acute pancreatitis, unstable angina, myocardial infarction and systemic inflammations such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and various other diseases.

Low MPV

A low MPV value may require investigation of some diseases. The main ones are:

  • Aplastic anemia
  • Hypersplenism
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cancer
  • Side effects of drugs
  • Infections
  • Alcoholism

High MPV 

The main diseases with high MPV value are:

  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Bernard-Soulier syndrome
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Leukemia
  • May-Hegglin anomaly
  • Myeloproliferative disorders
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Heart valve diseases

 

 


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