What is a Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
MCH measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell (RBC). Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells (RBCs) which carries the oxygen from the lung to the tissues of the body.
This test helps in evaluating the proper distribution of oxygen among all the body organs.
Its value is related to two other values i.e., Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). These three together are called RBC indices.
The units of measurement of MCH are picograms (pg).
The normal range is 27- 33 pg per cell
The MCH value below 27 pg is considered low. It usually indicates iron deficiency anaemia and the symptoms can be:
Iron deficiency anaemia is the main cause of low MCH. It may be due to:
In some rare cases, it may be caused by thalassemia which is a genetic disorder and causes improper production of hemoglobin.
The MCH value above 33 pg is considered high. It usually indicates macrocytic anaemia due to a deficiency of Vitamin B12 and folate. These two vitamins are required to make enough RBCs.
Due to their deficiency, the blood cells become larger in size and carry much haemoglobin per cell. So, the symptoms will be presented in the same way as with a low MCH value.
Macrocytic anemia is the main cause of high MCH value which is the result of low vitamin B12 or folate. However, low MCH can also be due to:
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** The text on this website is sourced from websites like emedicine and/or other verified material by government agencies around the globe along with valuable inputs and additions by our team. The content of this page is proofread and updated by the team of doctors, every once in a while, to provide the most accurate information.
