Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)

MCH stands for “mean corpuscular haemoglobin.” An MCH value refers to the average quantity of haemoglobin present in a single red blood cell. Haemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues of your body.

Your MCH value is related to two other values, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and means corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Together, MCH, MCV, and MCHC are sometimes referred to as red blood cell indices.

Low MCH causes and symptoms.

An MCH value calculated below 27.5 pg is considered low MCH. This means that there’s a low amount of haemoglobin present per red blood cell.

Causes

A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is important for the production of haemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce haemoglobin. Some of the general causes of iron deficiency include eating a diet that is low in iron, major surgery or trauma, or blood loss.

In more rare cases, low MCH can be caused by a genetic condition called thalassemia. In this condition, the production of haemoglobin is limited. This means there aren’t as many red blood cells circulating in your bloodstream.

Symptoms.

If you have a low MCH value, you may experience the following symptoms:

·                    shortness of breath

·                    chest pain

·                    fast heartbeat

·                    fatigue or weakness

·                    very pale or yellowish skin

·                    headache

High MCH causes and symptoms

An MCH value calculated above 33.2 pg is considered high MCH. This means that there is a larger amount of haemoglobin present per red blood cell.

Causes

High MCH value can often be caused by anaemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate. Both of these vitamins are required by your body in order to make red blood cells. These types of anaemia can develop if your diet is low in B vitamins or if your body does not absorb B-12 or folate properly. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of a B-12 deficiency.

Symptoms

If you have a high MCH value, you may experience the following symptoms:

·                    shortness of breath

·                    chest pain

·                    fast heartbeat

·                    fatigue or weakness

·                    very pale or yellowish skin

·                    headache

If you have anaemia that’s due to B-12 deficiency, you may also experience:

·                    tingling or “pins and needles” in your hands or feet

·                    nausea or vomiting

·                    bloating and gas

·                    mental symptoms, such as depression or confusion

If you have anaemia due to folate deficiency, you could experience the following additional symptoms:

·                    diarrhoea

·                    decrease in appetite

·                    irritability

·                    a smooth or sensitive tongue

Treatment for low or high MCH

Low MCH

Treatment for low MCH caused by iron deficiency can include adding iron-rich foods to your diet (there are even vegetarian options) and taking iron supplements. In rare cases, such as when symptoms are severe or blood loss has occurred, you may need a blood transfusion.

People with mild thalassemia may not require treatment. However, blood transfusions may be required if your symptoms are severe.

High MCH

Treatment for anaemias caused by B-12 or folate deficiencies is commonly treated by lifestyle changes, such as adding foods rich in vitamin B-12 and folate to your diet. Your doctor may also recommend taking supplements of these vitamins to further boost your B-12 and folate levels or, if absorption is a problem, prescribe B-12 injections.