Just had my latest NHS Full Blood Count report and I noticed when putting them into my spreadsheet 😇 that there is always a big difference in my MCV results between these two?
NHS... Mean cell volume (42A..) 92.1 fL [80 - 100]
Medichecks... 97.9fL (81-98)
Always taken under same conditions, within weeks of each other, similar outcome last time
Has anyone else noticed this?
(They haven't given me any of the other more useful results yet 🙄)
Just me then?
The ranges are different, have you calculated the percentage in range?
The ranges are very similar - hence the percentage through range will be similar for both.
But I think the point being made is the NHS result is ~60% thro range whereas for Medichecks its ~99%. Very different.
True - but that is clear without calculating the percentages! 
(My wording could have been much better. Like highlighting that the percentages would be very similar whichever range you used - even the wrong range for each.)
The percentages are far more important when the ranges vary significantly so you can't see that just by looking at the actual numbers.
Understood (I think!). But there's no explanation for the big difference between NHS and Medichecks whether absolute or %
I suggest the Wiki article might be helpful:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_...
I'd also consider asking both labs (first) which technique they use, and (second) whether there should be any difference in clinical interpretation.
Increased MCV is likely in low B12 (however caused) and/or low folate.
Lowered MCV is like in iron deficiency and quite a number of other conditions.
If you have factors tending to increase MCV as well as factors tending to reduce MCV, the actual value might look well within the reference interval. In order to identify this, check the Red cell Distribution WIdth (RDW).
Low-ish RDW means the MCV is probably fine.
High-ish RDW suggests you have factors working in both directions - e.g. low B12 and low iron - which are more-or-less cancelling each other out in terms of the MCV result.
Increased MCV is likely in low B12 (however caused) and/or low folate.
^^ Also something to do with an altered bone marrow production due to hypothyroidism. Cant recall the specifics and if I did I wouldn't be able to explain it but good ol' Google can help if anyone is interested.
Imaaan,
Low thyroid hormone instigates quite literally a slowing down of the whole erythropoiesis process, eg, bone marrow production of RBC's, specific hormones such as EPO, globulins, soluble transferrin within bone marrow, and ferro portin iron transporters, (although transferrin usually goes up now in an effort to encourage better iron absorption and usage) .
When 'things' aren't used, all levels lower, and then only lesser levels of iron can be tolerated as all other functions have slowed, so then even less absorption (coz the body will only absorb what it can safely use or store). Low iron levels will then impair future thyroid hormone production (if you have any gland) and conversion. ... and a vicious cycle has begun.
Sounds about right. Thanks for taking the time to explain and write it up.
My question is if thyroid hormones are optimized and your b12 and folate as well and the MCV and MCHC still remain high is it because hypothyroidism has permanently altered how the bone marrow works?
Imaaan,
Yes, an altered baseline could be one cause but remember there are many types of anaemia and MCHC is only a calculation (a bit like Transferrin Saturation % in an iron panel).
It is to evaluate how erythropoiesis is working and must be viewed in context with other results because it is possible to have normal MCHC with anaemia present (such as bone marrow dysfunction as you are homing in on the bone marrow topic today 🤣). .
There are numerous other far reached considerations such as Dr P says in his book for bone marrow to manufacture new blood cells, it needs to be at the correct temperature and hypothyroidism generally leaves us cold. Also any accompanying low grade Hashi inflammation insidiously alters body systems mixed in with ferritin (positive acute inflammation marker), and transferrin (negative acute inflammation marker), and both of which appear difficult to raise on this forum.
In this link we discuss if member hb’s baseline has been changed through years of iron dysfunction as her TIBC has always remained low no matter where her serum iron levels lie.
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Been waking up for Ramadan worship the last 8 nights and my brain fog is a little extra so I'll revisit this in a few days God willingly. Thank you for the link and letting me know about temperature and inflammation as influencers of bone marrow.
I'm definitely on a bone marrow kick for sure. I do remember that I liked sucking out the bone marrow from lamb and cow bones around age 8 whilst eating a delicious plate of rice and meat.
I'm a little bit veggie. I try not to be 😬 because believe first grade protein is vital for T3 to work properly and I have cook meat for the family anyway. I wish I liked sucking marrowbone., as it must be awfully good for you.
Sorry...lol...I can only imagine your face when you read that I loved sucking out bone marrow.
I love that you're able to cook meats that are nourishing for your family.
Absolutely love animals and I dont take their life sacrifice lightly for sure. My dad got his degree from a veterinary school in Italy but never truly worked as a veterinarian. For some odd reason he ended getting into import and export
Below ill link the bone marrow supplement I use which ive used in the past. It has really good reviews.
amazon.com/Ancestral-Supple...
Ancestral ‘If it were any fresher, it would moo’ 🤣. It’s a very small Texas company and difficult to access in the UK. I previously came across it when another member was taking the thyroid glandular.
He offers an interesting range and the name conjures up the whole nose-to-tail philosophy. Have you seen the pics of his (supposed) gorgeous herd?
I've opted for the full spectrum amino acids as I just don't really fancy meat very often and price wise organic meat is now in the luxury bracket! No animal involvement straight from the lab! Seems to work wonders for hair growth and thickness 👱♀️
Ermm , yes. You advised me of your brand about two weeks ago and I bought some 🤣. I take one everyday or two after exercise as bottle instructs.
Thanks 🍄I'm sure you have tried to educate me before on this 😬
My NHS results don't show RDW?
Medichecks 13.1% 11.5 - 14.4
I'd want to know your B12 and folate levels to exclude them as a possible factor.
Hmm... they should both be forthcoming, I wrote them on the hospital form myself 😏... tomorrow I shall chase up
I shall post the Medichecks one's so I don't forget and add the others when they land...
MCV 97.9fL (81-98)
RDW 13.1% 11.5 - 14.4
FOLATE - SERUM 15.97 ug/L > 3.89 3.89 - 19.45
VITAMIN B12 - ACTIVE >150 pmol/L 37.5 - 150 R
VITAMIN D 223 nmol/L 50 - 200
NHS
Mean cell volume (42A..) 92.1 fL [80 - 100]
Folate - to follow
Vit B12 - to follow
TiggerMe I hope you dont mind me asking questions regarding bone marrow, hypothyroidism and high MCV. It's something I've been trying to learn more about. Been watching a few videos on stem cells and chronic illness and have found them to be fascinating. I'm in a rabbit hole currently..lol
I might reorder my Bone Marrow supplement again and retest after I finish God willingly
Interesting results: NHS vs Medichecks tests
NHS rival to Medichecks
Medichecks results 
