MCH Blood Test (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) For Blood Conditions

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) blood test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. It provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood cells.

 

MCH Blood Test

Also Known As	MCH Test, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check Average Hemoglobin in Blood
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Fasting	No
Normal Value	27-33 pg/cell
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Reporting Time	1 to 2 hours
Cost	100 - 200* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

MCH Blood Test Full Form

Full Form of MCHC Blood Test is Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Test.

 

MCH Blood Test Meaning

• MCH stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, which is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.
• The MCH blood test is often used as part of a complete blood count (CBC) to help diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions, such as anemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• The MCH blood test is typically performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm.
• The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are reported in picograms (pg) of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
• The normal range for MCH is typically between 27 and 33 picograms per red blood cell.
• Abnormal MCH levels may indicate various medical conditions, and further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Interesting Facts About Blood

• Blood makes up about 7% to 8% of a person's total body weight, which means an average adult has about 4.5 to 6 liters of blood.
• Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
• It plays vital roles in transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body, as well as in immune defense and blood clotting.

 

MCH Blood Test Purpose

Here are some of the purposes of the MCH blood test:

• To measure the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
• To diagnose and monitor various medical conditions such as anemia, which is characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• To help differentiate between different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia, which may have similar symptoms but require different treatments.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for anemia or other blood disorders.
• To screen for certain medical conditions, such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which can also cause anemia.
• To assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions, as high MCH levels have been associated with an increased risk of these conditions in some studies.
• To monitor overall health and nutrition, as MCH levels can be affected by dietary factors such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate intake.

 

 

MCH Blood Test Preparation

Here are the prepration for MCH blood test before, during, and after the test:

 

Before the test

• It is usually recommended to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to get accurate results.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the results.

 

During the test

• A healthcare professional will draw a sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle and a collection tube.
• The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic before inserting the needle, which may cause a slight prick or stinging sensation.
• You will be asked to keep your arm still during the procedure to avoid any complications.

 

After the test

• Apply pressure to the puncture site for a few minutes to prevent bleeding and bruising.
• You may be advised to keep the bandage on for a few hours and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few hours after the test.
• The results of the test will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will discuss them with you and explain what they mean.

 

MCH Blood Test Procedure

Here are the steps involved in the MCH blood test procedure:

• The healthcare provider will ask you to sit comfortably and expose your arm.
• They will clean the area with an antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection.
• They will then wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your veins more visible and easier to access.
• They will use a sterile needle to draw a sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
• The blood will be collected in a tube or vial and labeled with your name and other identifying information.
• Once the sample is collected, the needle will be removed, and a bandage or cotton ball will be placed over the puncture site to prevent bleeding.
• The sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• You will typically be able to resume your normal activities immediately after the test.

It's important to note that the procedure may vary slightly depending on the healthcare provider and the specific laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.

 

MCH Blood Test Report

MCH Blood Test Report PDF

 

MCH Test Normal Report

MCH Normal Test Report PDF Format

MCH Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

MCH Test Abnormal Report

MCH Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

MCH Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

MCH Blood Test Normal Range

The normal range for MCH in a blood test is typically between 27 to 33 pg/cell. Here is a table summarizing the normal range for MCH:

 

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)	Normal Range
MCHC	27 - 33 pg/cell

Note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific equipment used to perform the test. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss any abnormalities or concerns with you.

 

MCH Blood Test Interpretation

Here's a table that can help with interpreting MCH values:

MCH Value (pg)	Interpretation
< 27	Low (hypochromic)
27 - 33	Normal
> 33	High (hyperchromic)

 

Specimen Requirments For MCH Blood Test

Here are the specimen requirements for MCH Test.

Specimen	Whole Blood
Volume	4 ml
Container	Lavender Top Tube Container

 

MCH Blood Test High

Here's a table summarizing some common causes of high MCH levels:

Cause	Explanation
Macrocytic anemia	A type of anemia characterized by larger than normal red blood cells, which contain more hemoglobin and can result in high MCH levels
Liver disease	Conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can affect the liver's ability to metabolize nutrients, leading to high MCH levels
Alcoholism	Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's absorption of nutrients, including those needed for normal red blood cell development
Certain medications	Some medications, such as antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV or anticonvulsants used to treat seizures, can cause high MCH levels as a side effect
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency	Deficiencies in these essential nutrients can lead to abnormal red blood cell development and result in high MCH levels
Hypothyroidism	An underactive thyroid gland can affect red blood cell production and lead to high MCH levels
Hemoglobinopathies (abnormal hemoglobin)	Certain inherited blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease, can cause abnormal hemoglobin production and result in high MCH levels
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)	This respiratory condition can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, leading to increased red blood cell production and high MCH levels

It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of high MCH levels.

 

MCH Blood Test Low

here's a table summarizing some common causes of low MCH levels:

Cause	Explanation
Microcytic anemia	A type of anemia characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells, which contain less hemoglobin and can result in low MCH levels
Iron deficiency anemia	The most common type of anemia, caused by a lack of iron in the body needed for hemoglobin production
Thalassemia	An inherited blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin and can result in low MCH levels
Chronic kidney disease	Impaired kidney function can affect the production of red blood cells, leading to low MCH levels
Lead poisoning	Exposure to high levels of lead can affect the production of hemoglobin and lead to low MCH levels
Hemolytic anemia	A type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells, which can result in low MCH levels
Chronic inflammatory conditions	Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can interfere with red blood cell production and result in low MCH levels
Certain medications	Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV, can cause low MCH levels as a side effect

It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of low MCH levels.

 

Is MCH Blood Test Is Safe?

• Yes, the MCH blood test is generally safe. It is a routine blood test that is commonly performed to assess the levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
• The procedure is minimally invasive and involves a small needle prick to draw a blood sample.
• The risks associated with the test are minimal and include mild pain or discomfort at the site of the needle prick, bruising or bleeding, and very rarely, infection.
• However, these risks can be minimized by ensuring that the healthcare provider follows proper procedures for blood collection, including using sterile equipment and techniques to prevent infection.
• As with any medical test or procedure, it's important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider beforehand.

 

When Do You Get MCH Blood Test Results?

• The time it takes to receive MCH blood test results can vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare provider performing the test.
• In general, the results are usually available within a few days to a week after the blood sample is collected.
• Your healthcare provider may discuss the results with you in person during a follow-up appointment, or they may contact you by phone or through an online patient portal to discuss the results and any next steps that may be necessary.

 

MCH Blood Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the MCH Blood Test.

• Does not provide information about specific types of anemia.
• Limited in determining the underlying cause of abnormal MCH levels.
• Not a definitive diagnostic test for hematological conditions.

 

MCH Blood Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the MCH Blood Test.

• Minimal risk associated with MCH blood test.
• Possible discomfort or pain during blood draw.
• Rare allergic reactions to the needle or antiseptic used.

 

Doctor Recommendations After MCH Blood Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after MCH Blood Test.

MCH Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Hematologist	Possible blood disorders or abnormalities.
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine check-up or further evaluation if symptoms persist.
Low	Primary Care Physician	Investigation of possible anemia or nutritional deficiencies.

 

MCH Blood Test Price

Here are the estimated MCH Blood Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100 - 200
New Delhi	100 - 200
Bangalore	100 - 200
Hyderabad	100 - 200
Kolkata	100 - 150
Pune	100 - 150
Lucknow	100 - 200
Noida	100 - 200
Surat	100 - 150
Gurugram	100 - 150
Patna	100 - 200
Chennai	100 - 150
Jaipur	100 - 200
Ahmedabad	100 - 150

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall MCH blood test helps to calculate the amount of hemoglobin in an individual red blood cell along with diagnose and classify different types of anemia . Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical studen

 

Reference

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin [1].
• Beyan C, Kaptan K, Beyan E, Turan M. The platelet count/mean corpuscular hemoglobin ratio distinguishes combined iron and vitamin B12 deficiency from uncomplicated iron deficiency. Int J Hematol. 2005; 81(4):301-3 [2].