Macrocytosis--an Australian general practice perspective.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional laboratory audit and practitioner survey without a control group.
What was done
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values were calculated from blood counts at an urban Australian general practice. General practitioners in the surrounding division were surveyed regarding their clinical experience with and diagnostic approach to macrocytosis.
What was found
An MCV above 100 fL was detected in 1.7% of patients, and 7.3% had an MCV above 96 fL. Ninety-four percent of responding general practitioners stated they would investigate macrocytosis, especially at levels above 100 fL. Surveyed clinicians identified alcohol excess and vitamin B12 deficiency as the most common causes in their experience.
Why it matters
This study provides an estimate of macrocytosis frequency in Australian general practice and shows broad clinician consensus to investigate elevated MCV, highlighting the need for formal evidence-based guidelines.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the sample sizes for either the patient blood counts or the surveyed clinicians. Data were collected from a single urban general practice and its local division, limiting generalizability. Etiological data reflect subjective physician recall rather than diagnostic chart audit.
Cited by
- supports Red blood cell MCV reference range is typically 80 to 100 fL, and elevations can indicate B12 deficiency.