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Overview
The Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Test measures the average mass of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. Haemoglobin is a blood protein that allows red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the cells and tissues in the body. The amount of haemoglobin per RBC depends on its synthesis and the size of the RBC. The iron determines the mass of the red blood cell; thus, MCH in picograms is the mass of one red cell. MCH levels are regularly used to help diagnose blood disorders and infections.
A doctor may recommend an MCH test if you have some common symptoms like chest pain, increased heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, jaundice, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, acidity, abdominal pain, etc.
MCH abnormal results can cause mild to severe diseased conditions or infections like anaemia, liver diseases, heart complications, malnutrition, and celiac disease. The abnormal results may affect some vitamins deficiency like vitamin B-12, folate, folic acid, iron, etc.
Other Names for Mean Cell Haemoglobin
- Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin
- MCH
What Does the MCH Test Measure and Who is This Prescribed For?
As with detecting many blood disorders or infections, the MCH Test measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. A low Mean Cell Haemoglobin level can indicate mild to severe anaemia.
A doctor may recommend you an MCH Test while having these common symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Jaundice (Very pale or yellowish skin)
- Headache
- Shortness of Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Increased heartbeat
Symptoms of anaemia, anaemia due to B-12 deficiency, can include these symptoms as well as the following.
- The sensation of pins and needles in hands or feet
- Nausea or vomiting
- Acidity
- Abdominal pain
- Mental symptoms like depression or confusion
Patients with anaemia due to folate deficiency can have these symptoms along with other common symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea (watery or continuous passing of stool)
- Irritability (feeling of agitation)
- A smooth or sensitive tongue
A doctor may prescribe Mean Cell Haemoglobin Test when the body fails to produce enough red blood cells. The blood disorder associated with this condition is known as Aplastic Anaemia. The state may lead to uncontrolled bleeding.
When the Mean Cell Haemoglobin Test results are abnormal, it indicates a high or low MCH level in the Complete Blood Count Test or that you are suffering from a blood infection or blood disorder. For that, you need treatment and consult a specialist in blood disorders, a Hematologist. However, you can also consult a primary care physician as the first health care professional.
An iron-rich diet and taking iron supplements or adding foods rich in vitamin B-12 and folate to your diet can help you treat abnormal results of a Mean Cell Haemoglobin.
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Sample Type
No specific preparation is needed. All you need is just a simple blood sample for the test.
Test Preparation
The Mean Cell Haemoglobin Test is a simple blood test that does not require any preparation. The usual way to collect a blood sample is by drawing it from one of the forearm veins of the body. The blood samples are contained in a test tube or vial and then further sent to the lab for analysis. The procedure usually takes five minutes and does not have any risk to your health.
MCH Test Inclusions: What are the Parameters Included in the Test?
An MCH test measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. MCH test is used for the diagnosis of blood and iron-related disorders. Also, it aids in determining the cause of blood disorders and infections.
At high or low levels, abnormal results can result in mild to severe health issues.
How Frequently Should You Take This Test?
A doctor may prescribe a complete blood count test to determine the cause of blood disorders. A CBC test also measures the MCH level in the blood. With abnormal MCH test results, a repetitive test within three months may be recommended by your doctor.
You can repeat the test within 6 or 12 months with negative last results or recurrent symptoms of blood disorders.
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Risk Assessment
Anaemia, macrocytic anaemia, macrocytosis
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Ranges
The Mean Cell Haemoglobin Test detects infection or any diseased condition in the blood. At the same time, the test measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
- The results of an MCH Test are considered Low level if they measure less than 26 picograms/cell.
- The results of an MCH Test are to be regarded as in the normal range if haemoglobin is 27 to 31 picograms/cell.
- The MCH Test results are noted as high if measures are more significant than 32 picograms/cell.
These average numbers may vary depending on the machine used to carry out the test or vary with locations or laboratories.
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Test Result Interpretation
The abnormal amount, low and high MCH levels, can cause several mild to life-threatening health problems, including blood infections or disorders.
- High Levels of MCH Test
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A condition in which patients have decreased Vitamin B12 in the body. Lower amounts of vitamin B12 can be caused by diet or certain medical conditions like anaemia or nervous system injury.
- Folic Acid Deficiency: Folic acid is a type of B vitamin and a condition in which the body does not have enough folic acid. Most folate deficiency is caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet, which can cause insufficient numbers of healthy red blood cells (vitamin deficiency anaemia). Folate-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy may cause a neural tube defect (undeveloped brain and spinal cord).
- Liver Diseases: High levels of MCH damage the liver and prevent it from functioning well, lowering the functionality rate. Several liver diseases like Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis A, B, or C, and Hemochromatosis can affect your MCH level.
- Macrocytic Anaemia: Macrocytic Anaemia is a type of Anaemia that causes extensive red blood cells. Like other types of Anaemia, macrocytic Anaemia means that the red blood cells have low haemoglobin. The most common causes of macrocytic anaemia are deficiency or defective utilization of vitamin B12 or folate.
- Polycythemia: It is a rare blood disease typically caused by a genetic mutation, where the bone marrow produces excess red blood cells and causes Congenital heart defects.
- Low Levels of MCH Test
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition happens when the body lacks sufficient nutrients. It also refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's energy intake and nutrients. The significant causes of malnutrition include a poor diet, digestive conditions, or other diseases.
- Celiac Disease: This disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder, which damages your small intestine. The disease can be triggered by gluten, a protein. Gluten is found in grains like rye, wheat and barley. It also prevents the absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption).
- Thalassemia: Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder passed from parents to children through genes. It is a blood disorder that is caused when the body doesn't make enough haemoglobin, an essential part of the red blood cell.
- Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells or a deficiency of the same is known as anaemia. This leads to reduced oxygen flow to the body's organs. Having anaemia, also referred to as low haemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak.
- Microcytic Anaemia: It is a frail condition that occurs when the body has fewer red blood cells than average. There are insufficient numbers of adequately functioning red blood cells.
- Iron Deficiency Anaemia: An anaemic condition generally occurs with iron deficiency in the body. In a pregnant woman, iron deficiency puts the baby at risk of developmental delays.
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