Diagnostic Accuracy of Mean Corpuscular Volume in Delineating Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Abstract

Background: Nutritional deficiency, especially B 12 deficiency is quite common in India. The manifestation can range from anemia usually megaloblastic anemia as an early indicator to neurological sequel that develops later. Evaluation of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) as a screening parameter has been highly unreliable and misleading. This has resulted in delayed diagnosis with irreversible changes.