Objective: Macrocytosis is considered to be an important sign of disea
se, although it often seems to be ignored. The aim of the present stud
y was to assess the quality of the work done by general practitioners
using macrocytosis as an indicator. Method: All consecutive outpatient
s at Tampere City Health Center who had blood counts taken during 8 mo
nths in 1990 and were found to have macrocytosis (MCV greater than or
equal to 100 femtoliters) that had not earlier been examined, were inc
luded in this study. The further examinations undertaken were analyzed
. Results: Of the 9,527 blood counts, previously unexamined macrocytos
is was found in 3% (n = 287, 154 men and 133 women). Further examinati
on because of macrocytosis was undertaken in 65 (42%) men and in 48 (3
6%) women. Alcohol abuse was the most common disease present in 52 (80
%) men and in 22 (46%) women. No cause for macrocytosis was found in s
even men and in 17 women. No difference between the examined and unexa
mined groups was found concerning medical history, medications, sympto
ms, or blood count values, including hemoglobin and MCV. Conclusions:
Evaluation of macrocytosis, when undertaken, was well done by general
practitioners. However, it was performed too seldom and, thus, several
diseases, especially alcohol abuse, may have been overlooked.