What is the reference value for mean platelet volume (MPV)?

• A. 2-4 fL
• B. 5-7 fL
• C. 8-10 fL
• D. 11-14 fL

Answer: (C)

Mean platelet volume reflects the average size of platelets in a blood sample and is reported in femtoliters. In most labs, the normal MPV sits in roughly the 7–11 fL range, with many instruments and reference schemes centering around 8–10 fL. This makes the 8–10 fL range the best representation of a typical reference value, since it falls within the common normal interval. The other ranges are outside the usual MPV normal span: values much smaller than normal would be unusually tiny platelets, while values well above the typical upper limit suggest larger or more reactive platelets and are not regarded as the standard reference. Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary slightly by analyzer and calibration, but 8–10 fL is a standard ballpark for a normal MPV.