About MCV Blood Test
Official Lab
We are a CLIA-certified, HIPAA-compliant hematology and blood diagnostics laboratory headquartered at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX. Our mission is simple: deliver accurate, fast, and affordable CBC blood testing to every patient — from our Houston walk-in lab to your front door.
Houston's Dedicated Blood Testing Specialists
MCV Blood Test is a specialized hematology diagnostic laboratory founded to address one of the most common yet underserved needs in preventive healthcare — accurate, accessible, and affordable blood count testing. We focus exclusively on Complete Blood Count (CBC) diagnostics including MCV, MCH, RDW, ALT, CRP, ESR, eGFR, CMP, and CEA panels.
Based inside the Texas Medical Center — the world's largest medical complex — our Houston lab is staffed by board-certified pathologists, licensed medical laboratory scientists (MLS), and certified phlebotomists who process every sample with the same clinical precision used in major hospital settings.
"Every blood test we process represents a real patient seeking answers about their health. We treat each result with the same rigor and care we would want for our own families."
Whether you need a routine annual CBC, are monitoring a known condition such as anemia or kidney disease, or simply want to understand your red blood cell health — MCV Blood Test is here to deliver results you and your doctor can trust, in as little as 4 hours.
- Founded2010
- LocationHouston, TX 77030
- Lab TypeHematology / CBC
- AccreditationCLIA · CAP · ISO
- ComplianceHIPAA Compliant
- CollectionWalk-in & Home Visit
- Results4–24 Hours
- Support24/7 Patient Line
CLIA
Certified
CAP
Accredited
ISO
Certified
HIPAA
Compliant
What Drives Everything We Do
We exist to make high-quality blood diagnostics accessible, understandable, and actionable for every patient — regardless of where they are in their health journey.
Our Mission
To provide every patient in the United States with access to fast, accurate, and affordable CBC and hematology blood testing — empowering early detection, better treatment decisions, and healthier outcomes.
Our Vision
A country where no patient goes undiagnosed due to lack of access to quality lab testing. We envision blood diagnostics that are as simple and accessible as a walk-in appointment — for every American.
Clinical Accuracy First
Every result that leaves our lab has been validated by automated Coulter hematology analyzers and reviewed by a licensed medical laboratory scientist or board-certified pathologist before delivery.
Patient-Centered Care
We designed every step of our process around you — from easy online booking and free home collection in Houston to plain-language result explanations and 24/7 support from our clinical team.
Evidence-Based Diagnostics
Our reference ranges, result interpretations, and clinical guides are built on peer-reviewed medical standards from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and international laboratory guidelines.
Privacy & Data Security
Your medical data is sacred. All patient records, test results, and personal information are stored and transmitted under full HIPAA compliance using encrypted, secure systems.
Blood Tests We Specialize In
We focus exclusively on CBC-related hematology and metabolic blood panels — the tests that matter most for detecting anemia, organ health, inflammation, and chronic disease.
From Booking to Results in 5 Steps
We built our entire process around speed, simplicity, and clinical accuracy — so you spend less time waiting and more time acting on your results.
Book Your Test
Call 340-348-2786, email us, or walk in to 6565 Fannin St. Choose walk-in lab collection or free home visit across Houston.
Blood Draw
A certified phlebotomist collects a small venous blood sample — typically 3–5 mL via EDTA tube. The procedure takes under 5 minutes with minimal discomfort.
Lab Analysis
Your sample is processed on our Coulter impedance hematology analyzer — the same technology used in leading US hospital laboratories — for precise CBC measurement.
Pathologist Review
Every result is reviewed by a board-certified pathologist or licensed MLS before release, ensuring clinical accuracy and flagging any values requiring urgent attention.
Results Delivered
Receive your certified PDF report via secure email, SMS portal link, or pick up a printed copy at our Houston lab — typically within 4 to 24 hours of your blood draw.
What Makes Us Different
We are not a general-purpose lab trying to do everything. We specialize in CBC and hematology diagnostics — and that focus means deeper expertise, faster processing, and better results for the tests that matter most to your blood health.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website — including all test descriptions, reference ranges, symptom guides, and clinical content — is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MCV Blood Test is a licensed clinical laboratory; we provide diagnostic test results, not medical diagnoses.
Always consult a qualified physician, hematologist, or licensed healthcare provider to interpret your blood test results and guide your medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
All laboratory testing at MCV Blood Test is performed under CLIA Certificate of Compliance. Results are for physician and patient use only and are not to be used for employment screening or insurance purposes without proper clinical context.
Ready to Book Your MCV Blood Test?
Walk in to our Houston lab, book a free home collection, or call our team. Accurate results in as little as 4 hours. No fasting required for MCV and most CBC panels.
MCV Blood Test (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Guides
An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body — your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy. If your red blood cells are too small or too large, it could be a sign of a blood disorder such as anemia, a vitamin deficiency, or other medical conditions.
An MCV blood test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) — a group of tests that measures the number and type of cells in your blood. It is used to check your general health and as a routine screening during annual checkups.
An MCV test may also be used with other tests to help diagnose or monitor certain blood disorders, including anemia. There are several types of anemia, and each type has a different effect on the size, shape, and quality of your red blood cells. An MCV test identifies which type you have so treatment can be targeted correctly.
Your doctor may order an MCV test as part of your routine annual checkup, or if you have a chronic condition that could lead to anemia. You may also need it if you experience any of the following symptoms of anemia:
- Shortness of breath, especially on mild exertion
- Weakness or persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Arrhythmia — a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat
You do not need any special preparations for an MCV blood test alone. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
- No fasting is required for MCV or CBC testing
- If your provider ordered additional tests (such as fasting glucose or CMP), you may need to fast for 8–12 hours — your provider will advise
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before the test — alcohol can falsely elevate MCV values
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment
- Disclose all current medications, especially methotrexate, AZT, phenytoin, or hydroxyurea
There is very little risk involved in having an MCV blood test. It is one of the safest and most routine clinical procedures performed every day at MCV Blood Test Houston.
- Slight pain or minor bruising at the needle insertion site is possible but uncommon
- Most symptoms — if any — disappear within a few minutes
- No anaesthesia, sedation, or special equipment is needed
- The entire blood draw takes less than 5 minutes
- ISO certified, HIPAA compliant, and CAP accredited lab procedures
Your red blood cells are smaller than normal — called microcytic anemia. Small red blood cells cannot carry enough hemoglobin or oxygen to meet your body's needs. This is the most common finding in iron deficiency.
- Iron deficiency anemia — the most common form of anemia worldwide, caused by insufficient iron
- Thalassemia — an inherited blood disorder causing fewer healthy red blood cells
- Anemia of chronic disease — from long-term inflammatory conditions
- Lead poisoning — especially in children or workers with occupational exposure
- Sideroblastic anemia — iron is present but cannot be properly utilised
Your red blood cells are a healthy, normal average size. This is a reassuring finding. However, a normal MCV does not completely rule out all blood disorders or anemia.
It is still possible to have anemia with a normal MCV. This may occur in conditions such as:
- Sudden significant blood loss (acute hemorrhage)
- Chronic kidney failure — reduced erythropoietin production
- Aplastic anemia — uncommon bone marrow failure
- Combined iron + B12 deficiency masking each other (dimorphic anemia)
Your red blood cells are larger than normal — called macrocytic anemia. Enlarged red blood cells are often fragile and may not function efficiently. This most commonly points to nutritional deficiencies.
- Pernicious anemia — caused by B12 deficiency or inability to absorb B12 (autoimmune disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease)
- Folic acid (B9) deficiency — especially critical during pregnancy
- Liver disease and alcoholism — alcohol directly enlarges red blood cells
- Hypothyroidism — underactive thyroid slows RBC production
- Medications — methotrexate, AZT, hydroxyurea, phenytoin
If your provider thinks you may have anemia or another blood disorder, additional red blood cell tests are ordered alongside MCV. Together, these are called Red Blood Cell Indices. These may include:
