About Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin content in a red blood cell. It is calculated by dividing the total amount of hemoglobin by the number of red blood cells. MCH is useful for classifying types of anemia and evaluating overall blood health.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
27.0 - 31.0 picograms (pg)
Women's Optimal Range
27.0 - 31.0 picograms (pg)
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate the presence of macrocytic anemia or could be associated with impaired thyroid function.
Low
Low levels may be associated with iron deficiency anemia or chronic blood loss, which could affect oxygen transport in the body.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, paleness, or elevated heart rate.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, or pale skin.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Hoffmann, J. J. M. L., Nabbe, K. C. A. M., & van den Broek, N. M. A. (2015). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width as potential indicators of iron deficiency anemia in primary care. *Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation*, 75(5), 355–361.
- Dallman, P. R. (2017). Iron deficiency and the immune response. *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, 46(2), 329–334.
- World Health Organization. (2021). Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. *WHO/NMH/NHD/MNM/11.1*.
- American Society of Hematology. (2020). Anemia: Diagnosis and treatment. *ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines*.
- Bessman, J. D., & Gilmer, P. R. (2019). Red cell indices in the diagnosis of anemia: The role of mean corpuscular hemoglobin. *Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine*, 113(5), 550–555.