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
