Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or MCH in short, is a blood test that determines the average quantity of hemoglobin present in a person’s red blood cells. Hemoglobin, a type of protein found in red blood cells, transports oxygen to all cells and organs all over the body! The MCH blood test is part of a panel of tests known as a complete blood count (CBC), which examines the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If you are showing a set of symptoms or health issues, your doctor will be able to diagnose specific problems or narrow down the underlying causes by comparing MCH test findings to other tests in a CBC.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) determines the average quantity of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is an important protein in red blood cells that helps them to fulfill their primary function, which is to transport oxygen throughout your body since every single cell relies on oxygen to operate! MCH is only one part of a complete blood count test, which contains information about your red blood cells.
Unlike MCH, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) test that measures the average hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell, considers both the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell and also the size of your RBCs. Another test, the red cell distribution width (RDW), measures the size variation of your red blood cells. Together, the results of all these tests help clinicians detect various health issues, including many types of anemia and liver and kidney diseases.
The MCH blood test measures the average quantity of hemoglobin in the blood, but MCH is not directly measured; instead, it is calculated using the hemoglobin level (Hg), which indicates the total quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin normal range is between 27 and 31 pg/cell (picograms per cell) for adults and children, however, for infants, the MCH normal range falls between 32 to 34 pg/cell. Remember, the MCH levels vary depending on the person’s age, gender, and other factors, thus doctors consider a specific range to be normal!
In adults, MCH levels less than 27 pg/cell are considered low, and the most prevalent cause of this is anemia, which is described as having too few red blood cells or hemoglobin. A low MCH is usually caused by a condition known as microcytic anemia, in which red blood cells are unusually small, but a low MCH level may also be caused by hemolysis, which destroys red blood cells.
Here are the common causes of low MCH:
MCH low means a person has lower MCH level than what is normal, and in such cases, the common symptoms are dizziness, pale skin, cold fingers and toes, chest discomfort, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
An MCH level of more than 31 pg/cell is regarded as excessively high, and this increased hemoglobin level in red blood cells can be attributed to several factors.
People with high MCH levels may develop anemic symptoms similar to those with low MCH levels, however, in the presence of disorders like megaloblastic anemia and polycythemia vera, they may experience bleeding gum, diarrhea, nosebleeds, constipation, blurred vision, small blood patches on the skin, numb tongue, and tingling in the hands or feet.
MCH is a common component of a CBC that assesses the health of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and MCH, like other values on a CBC, assists healthcare practitioners in detecting symptoms of an illness early. MCH readings are especially important for a diagnosis if you experience anemia symptoms such as tiredness or frequent headaches! When combined with the other RBC indices, an abnormal MCH result can assist your doctor establish whether you have anemia, and it can also assist them figure out what's causing it.
The MCH blood test needs no special preparation, and you don’t have to do anything unusual to prepare for your MCH test! For the test, a blood sample is collected from the patient by a clinician, however, if your doctor intends to do further tests on your blood sample, you may need to fast before the test.
To take the blood sample, the clinician will clean the site with an alcohol swab and tie a rubber band above the site to increase the amount of blood collected at that location. The needle will be gently inserted into the vein and after blood is collected, a cotton ball will be placed upon the puncture site to stop bleeding.
An MCH blood test can help your doctor determine if your MCH levels are too high or too low! There are various reasons for abnormal MCH levels, and even though some are very common, such as anemia or drug side effects, they can also be caused by diseases like blood cancer or genetic blood abnormalities. The cause of your condition determines the treatment approach that your doctor will take.
If you are in need of a MCH test, it is time you contact Pathkind Labs! This NABL approved lab has trained experts who will carefully collect your blood and perform the necessary tests to deliver accurate test results on time!
Discover precision diagnostics with Pathkind Labs, a trusted name in diagnostic services in India. Our NABL accredited labs, equipped with advanced technology, are staffed by a certified team of over 200+ senior pathologists and 2000+ technicians. From tailored health check-ups to specialized tests in Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology, and more, we've got your health covered. Skip the hassle with online booking for tests or check-ups, available for both lab visits and at-home blood collection. For a seamless experience and early detection, choose Pathkind Labs in Gurugram. Book your appointment today and experience diagnostics made easy.
© 2025 Pathkind Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Unsubscribe
Upload Prescription
