MCH — Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) is the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell. This parameter helps determine how well blood cells are supplied with hemoglobin—the protein responsible for oxygen transport. MCH is measured in picograms (pg).
Normal MCH values:
- Adults: 27–33 pg
- Children: 25–32 pg
Why measure MCH:
- Assessment of the type and nature of anemia
- Detection of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency
- Monitoring the effectiveness of anemia treatment
Increased MCH (hyperchromia):
- Macrocytic anemias (vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency)
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver diseases
- Certain types of blood cancers
Decreased MCH (hypochromia):
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia
- Chronic diseases causing impaired iron metabolism
- Lead poisoning
Features:
- MCH is always evaluated together with MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration).
- Deviations from the norm are not always pathological—fluctuations may occur during pregnancy, medication use, or intense physical activity.
- Low MCH can cause symptoms such as pallor, dizziness, shortness of breath, and weakness.
How the test is performed:
- Blood is drawn from a finger or vein in the morning, on an empty stomach
- It is recommended to avoid alcohol, physical activity, smoking, and stress before the test