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What causes high RBC count but low MCV and MCH levels?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

If my complete blood count has a high RBC value and low MCV and MCH values, what is the possible diagnosis for me? Kindly guide.
Answered by Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

1. A high RBC count is called polycythemia. If it is persistently high, then the cause should be evaluated. Respiratory causes like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and cardiac causes can lead to secondary polycythemia. Primary polycythemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm due to a JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) mutation. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) needs to be done if suspected.

2. Low MCV (mean corpuscular volume) can be due to anemia, for which peripheral blood smear examination, serum ferritin, and TIBC (total iron binding capacity) reports are required for further workup.

I hope this will help you. Take care.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 4, 2018
Reviewed At December 17, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

High RBC, Low MCV, MCH Companion

How it works

Your complete blood count (CBC) can reveal important information about your health. When certain values like red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) are outside the normal range, it can indicate underlying conditions. This guide helps you understand these results.

1

High
RBC

2

Secondary
Causes

3

Primary
Polycythemia

4

Low
MCV

5

Low
MCV

6

Next
Steps

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Pathology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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