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Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

The MCH is a measure of the amount (weight) of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

This measurement is clinically significant in the presence of anemia as it allows for categorizing the type of anemia.

  • Elevated MCH is associated with macrocytic anemia

  • Diminished MCH is associated with microcytic anemia

  • Hyperlipidemia may give a false elevation of the MCH

  • MCH is most useful in severely anemic patients. Among those with lesser degrees of anemia, it is less useful because the measurement has a potential for a relatively wide range of error.

 

 

 

Normal Values*

MCH 26-34 pg/cell

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

OB-GYN 101: Introductory Obstetrics & Gynecology
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