The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin contained within each red blood cell in a sample of blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
MCH values can vary depending on age, sex, and altitude, but a normal range is typically between 27-33 picograms (pg) per cell.
- A high MCH may indicate that you have macrocytic anemia, where your body produces abnormally large red blood cells that contain less hemoglobin than normal. This can be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate.
- A low MCH may indicate that you have microcytic anemia, where your body produces abnormally small red blood cells that contain less hemoglobin than normal. This is often caused by iron deficiency.
A doctor will usually order an MCH test as part of a complete blood count (CBC) to help diagnose and monitor various conditions, including anemia.
