What is MCH?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is a crucial indicator that measures the average amount of hemoglobin within red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various cells in the body, which is essential for cell growth and reproduction.

Through blood tests, individuals can learn about their MCH levels. If MCH values are below or above the normal range, it may indicate anemia, high cholesterol, or other underlying health issues.

What Does MCH Reveal?

MCH is part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC), which comprehensively assesses various aspects of blood, including the health status of red blood cells. As one of the metrics for measuring red blood cell health, MCH is significant in diagnosing certain diseases.

Doctors may request a CBC as part of routine check-ups or to assist in diagnosing specific conditions. MCH is particularly crucial in diagnosing anemia. Anemia occurs when the body produces insufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to inadequate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, which can cause fatigue and weakness.

Normal Range and Significance of MCH

The normal range for MCH is 27 to 31 picograms per cell. If MCH values fall below this range, it may suggest a risk of hypochromic anemia. This type of anemia occurs when there is insufficient hemoglobin in the blood. In the United States, iron deficiency is the most common cause of hypochromic anemia. Iron is a vital component for hemoglobin production, and its deficiency can lead to insufficient hemoglobin generation, resulting in iron-deficiency anemia.

Conversely, if MCH values are above the normal range, it may indicate anemia due to low folate or vitamin B12 levels. Both folate and vitamin B12 are essential nutrients for red blood cell production, and their deficiency can cause anemia.

Possible Causes and Symptoms of Low MCH

Low MCH levels can be caused by various factors, including blood loss, iron absorption issues, kidney diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, and inadequate iron intake in the diet. Low MCH levels are particularly common in children aged 9 months to 1 year.

If an individual has low MCH levels and is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, they may not exhibit any symptoms. However, they may also experience fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and pale skin.

Possible Causes and Symptoms of High MCH

High MCH levels may indicate anemia due to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency anemia can be caused by inadequate folate intake in the diet, chronic alcohol consumption, or the use of certain medications. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may result from the inability to absorb vitamin B12 properly, a lack of intrinsic factor, excessive alcohol consumption, the use of certain medications, or certain diseases.

If MCH levels are high, individuals may experience anemia symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and headaches. For those with folate deficiency anemia, they may also experience oral and tongue pain. In contrast, patients with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may encounter neurological issues, including difficulty walking, slow thinking, loss of smell and taste, and limited imagination.

How to Treat Abnormal MCH Levels?

The treatment for abnormal MCH levels depends on the specific disease or medical condition causing the abnormality. Doctors first need to determine the cause of low or high MCH levels and review other CBC results for a comprehensive understanding.

If anemia is identified as the cause of abnormal MCH levels, doctors will need to find the specific reason for the anemia and tailor a treatment plan based on the cause and severity of the anemia. Treatment options may include medications, supplements, blood transfusions, blood and bone marrow transplants, surgical procedures, and dietary changes.

Quick Recap

MCH stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, which is a crucial indicator measuring the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. During the CBC process, MCH is recorded to reflect the health status of red blood cells. The normal range for MCH is 27 to 31 picograms per cell, and values above or below this range may indicate the presence of underlying diseases. Low MCH levels may suggest iron-deficiency anemia, while high MCH levels may indicate anemia due to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Doctors will determine the cause of abnormal MCH levels based on individual patients' circumstances and develop corresponding treatment plans to restore normal MCH levels.