The MCH test is not used much nowadays. Because it is affected by heat and can change with waiting. Valuable in tests at constant temperature and without waiting.

MCH test

Erythrocytes are blood cells that carry the oxygen needed by the body to the tissues. They bind the free oxygen molecules that pass from the lungs to the blood, to the hemoglobin molecules in their body, and thus they can be transported to distant tissues. Since hemoglobin is a molecule that can bind oxygen, it is vital for our body. That’s why we measure the hemoglobin levels inside the erythrocytes. Hemoglobin is what gives blood its red color when combined with oxygen.

MCV determines the average amount of hemoglobin contained in the erythrocyte. The amount of hemoglobin is expressed in picograms. The normal level of hemoglobin in erythrocytes is 30–34 picograms. In some laboratories, between 27-31 picograms can be considered normal. Since the MCH level is directly proportional to the erythrocyte volume, it is generally parallel to the MCV value.



The MCH test is not used much nowadays. Because it is affected by heat and can change with waiting. Valuable in tests at constant temperature and without waiting. MCH reaches a certain value and stabilizes with the termination of hemoglobin production during the formation of reticulocytes, which are one of the developmental stages of erythrocytes. Due to its constant value, it has started to be interpreted as the most valuable parameter.

If the MCV (mean erythrocyte volume) is high but the MCH (mean erythrocyte hemoglobin) value is low, the hemoglobin level in erythrocytes is lower than expected values. This situation brings to mind Hb E disease, Hb “costant spring” or B12-folic acid and simultaneous iron deficiency anemia or Thalassemia carrier, which are among the causes of anemia.

If erythrocyte MCH (mean erythrocyte hemoglobin) value is low and MCV (mean erythrocyte volume) value is low, iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia carrier is usually considered.

Low MCH usually creates signs of anemia that progresses with low hemoglobin. Symptoms such as coldness in the hands and feet, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion, pallor, and shortness of breath may occur in the patient. If MCH is high, symptoms such as blood clotting symptoms, blurred or double vision, dizziness, headache and itching can be seen.



Low MCH values are in the case of anemia, while high MCH values usually suggest lung or kidney diseases or stress erythropoiesis.

The most common causes of low MCH are:

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cancer
  • Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
  • Loss of blood (surgery, injury, or menstrual bleeding)
  • IOron deficiency anemia
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Thalassemia

The most common causes of high MCH are:

  • Kidney diseases
  • Congenital heart defect
  • Lung diseases (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis)
  • Polycythemia vera

The MCH test is not used alone. It is used by making comparisons with other tests. An abnormality of the MCH value along with other tests or symptoms should be evaluated by your physician.

 


Tags: