Does Drinking Alcohol Affect MCV Blood Test Results?

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i had full blood work coming on tuesday. it is sunday.
last time it was high. (most likely from drinking dr said)
if i don't drink for the next two days will that effect my mcv level

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might reduce a little bit, but not too much

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. If you are an alcoholic (which means you consume alcohol on a daily basis), then the levels will only reduce by a very small amount, but the MCV shall still remain high enough to be detected.

I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (22 minutes later)

Thank you.
My last level was 109
High
I have cut down considerably

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hopeful for betterment, wishing you loads of luck sir :)

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.

109 fL/red cell in adult is close to the upper range of normal (80-96 fL/red cell). I am hopeful your level should be close to the upper limit of normal, or possibly even within the normal range sir.

I really hope you can completely discontinue the alcohol, and live a long and healthy life. Please do not hesitate to write back to me anytime, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (27 minutes later)

Thank you so much dr XXXXXXX
FYI had colonos. And endoscopy
In XXXXXXX All good. Ruling out anemia.
But if it isn't better, I am sure my dr
Will be sending me to a hematologist.
Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Special attention to be paid to your liver always

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.

A hematologist should be able to help, but we need to understand that the anemia and other abnormal parameters are due to the previous alcohol consumption, and so I would recommend a hepatologist to also be brought into the picture to check on your liver health as well.

I wish you truck loads of luck and hope your doctors and you can turn your life around to a path filled with health, wealth and happiness.

Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar