· Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or MCH, is a value on a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). It measures the average (“mean”) amount of hemoglobin you have per red blood cell. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) refers to the amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
Understanding the Context
High or low numbers may indicate a vitamin deficiency or certain types of anemia.An MCH value refers to the average quantity of hemoglobin present in a single red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues of your body.Your MCH value is related to two other values, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Together, MCH, MCV, and MCHC are sometimes referred to as red blood cell indices.This article explores healthy MCH levels, how doctors test them, and what the results mean.See full list on healthline.comDoctors determine your MCH level with a complete blood count (CBC) panel. Your doctor will order a CBC panel to screen for many conditions, including anemia and infection.
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Key Insights
The CBC tests red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. MCH is calculated using red blood cell analysis.MCH is calculated by dividing the amount of hemoglobin in a given blood volume by the number of red blood cells present.See full list on healthline.comCauses of low MCHA low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat to produce hemoglobin. Some of the general causes of iron deficiency include eating a diet that is low in iron, major surgery or trauma, or blood loss.
Important Details
In rare cases, low MCH can be caused by a genetic condition called thalassemia. In this condition, the production of hemoglobin is limited. This means there aren’t as many red blood cells circulating in your bloodstream.Symptoms of low MCHIf you have a low MCH value, you may experience the following symptoms: •shortness of breath •chest pain •fast heartbeat •fatigue or weakness •very pale or yellowish skin •headacheShould I worry if my MCH is low?Causes for concern depend on how low your levels are and the underlying cause. A doctor can determine what’s causing your low levels of MCH and whether you need treatment.
Final Thoughts
Treatment for low MCH caused by iron deficiency include: •adding iron-rich foods to your diet (there are vegetarian options) •taking iron supplements •receiving iron supplementation through an IVIn rare cases, such as when symptoms are severe or blood loss has occurred, you may need a blood transfusion.Was this helpful?See full list on healthline.comCauses of high MCHHigh MCH value can often be caused by anemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate. Both of these vitamins are required by your body to make red blood cells. These types of anemia can develop if your diet is low in B vitamins or if your body does not absorb B-12 or folate properly. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of a B-12 deficiency.Symptoms of high MCHIf you have a high MCH value, you may experience the following symptoms: •shortness of breath •chest pain •fast heartbeat •fatigue or weakness •very pale or yellowish skin •headacheIf you have anemia that’s due to B-12 deficiency, you may also experience: •tingling or “pins and needles” in your hands or feet •nausea or vomiting •bloating and gas •mental symptoms, such as depression or confusionIf you have anemia due to folate deficiency, you could experience the following additional symptoms: •diarrhea •decrease in appetite •irritability •a smooth or sensitive tongueShould I be concerned if my MCH is high?A doctor can help you determine whether you need treatment. The treatments for abnormally high MCH levels depend on how high your levels are and the underlying cause. Treatment for anemias caused by B-12 or folate deficiencies are commonly treated by lifestyle changes, such as adding foods rich in vitamin B-12 and folate to your diet.
Your doctor may also recommend taking supplements of these vitamins to further boost your B-12 and folate levels or, if absorption is a problem, prescribe B-12 injections.Was this helpful?See full list on healthline.comThe outlook for people with abnormal MCH values depends on the condition that’s causing it.Low MCH values are often caused by iron deficiency anemia. Typically, this condition can be treated with lifestyle changes, including consuming iron-rich foods and taking iron supplements. In the rare case that your low MCH value is caused by thalassemia, you may require blood transfusions if your symptoms are severe.High MCH values caused by a deficiency of the vitamins B-12 or folate can also often be treated with changes to your lifestyle that include dietary modifications and supplements or injectable B-12.If you’re concerned about your MCH results, be sure to talk to your doctor about them. Together, you can decide on the best way to move forward.See full list on healthline.comJun 17, 2025 · Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is the average amount of hemoglobin per blood cell, and it is measured with a blood test. This value can help diagnose anemia and other diseases. · You might hear your doctor talk about MCH levels when they explain the results of certain blood tests. Learn what these measurements mean and how they help in diagnosing ailments. · Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) blood test measures the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Low or high MCH can indicate a condition like anemia. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, or MCH, is a measurement obtained during a routine Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. This value provides information about your red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. · Also known as: MCH blood test, Mean cell hemoglobin test. What can an MCH test tell you? A provider may use an MCH test to: Identify anemia type. MCH helps distinguish between different categories of anemia. · Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is the average amount of hemoglobin per blood cell, and it is measured with a blood test. This value can help diagnose anemia and other diseases. · You might hear your doctor talk about MCH levels when they explain the results of certain blood tests. Learn what these measurements mean and how they help in diagnosing ailments. · Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) blood test measures the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Low or high MCH can indicate a condition like anemia. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, or MCH, is a measurement obtained during a routine Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. This value provides information about your red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. · Also known as: MCH blood test, Mean cell hemoglobin test. What can an MCH test tell you? A provider may use an MCH test to: Identify anemia type. MCH helps distinguish between different categories of anemia. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, or MCH, is a measurement obtained during a routine Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. This value provides information about your red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. · Also known as: MCH blood test, Mean cell hemoglobin test. What can an MCH test tell you? A provider may use an MCH test to: Identify anemia type. MCH helps distinguish between different categories of anemia.
