Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

What is Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin contained in each red blood cell. This calculated value helps classify different types of anemia and provides insight into red blood cell health and oxygen-carrying capacity. MCH reflects how much of the oxygen-carrying protein each cell contains.

Why is it Tested?

Doctors order MCH as part of a complete blood count to help diagnose and classify anemia, monitor iron deficiency treatment, and evaluate red blood cell disorders. It’s particularly useful for distinguishing between different causes of anemia and assessing the severity of blood disorders.

Normal Ranges

Reference ranges vary by lab, but general adult guidelines:

Adults: 27–31 pg

Normal MCH values indicate that red blood cells contain adequate amounts of hemoglobin for proper oxygen transport throughout the body.

Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Low MCH

Low MCH (hypochromia) typically indicates:

Iron deficiency anemia
Chronic disease anemia
Thalassemia
Sideroblastic anemia
Lead poisoning
Copper deficiency

High MCH

Elevated MCH (hyperchromia) may indicate:

Vitamin B12 deficiency (megaloblastic anemia)
Folate deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Liver disease
Alcoholism
Certain medications affecting DNA synthesis

How to Track Over Time

Tracking MCH trends helps monitor anemia treatment effectiveness and disease progression. Rising MCH during iron supplementation indicates successful treatment, while declining values may signal developing nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease progression requiring investigation.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin