Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Test

Red Blood Corpuscles are the principal gas transporters of the body. They supply the essential oxygen to the tissues and carry carbon dioxide away to the lungs. RBCs are composed of Hemoglobin, the iron-containing blood pigment of the body which acts as the main vehicle behind the gas transportation. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin depicts the average amount of hemoglobin in RBCs. The number and physical features of Red blood Corpuscles change during illness. As an example, defective RBCs are produced or they can be attacked by body's own immune system (autoantibodies). Hence red blood cells provide the ample number of information about the health. Doctors may prescribe this test for a routine check-up along with a complete blood count or if someone is suffering from fatigue, splenomegaly, or difficulty to adapt altitude changes.

There is no particular preparation for this test unless the healthcare provider specifies. The patient may be suggested not to take any fatty meals a few hours before the test.

This test evaluates the average weight of hemoglobin inside an RBC. MCH is measured in picograms, one trillionth of a gram. Normal range varies from 27-33 picograms per cell. Through this test, the weight and average quantity of hemoglobin within an RBC are measured. This gives information about anemias when performed with other tests. A higher value (>34 picograms) may indicate a possibility of macrocytic anemia. A low value (<27 picograms) may indicate a possibility of microcytic and normocytic anemia. In a low level of MCH, the iron deficiency is indicated. A low level may also be seen in persons with copper and Vitamin C deficiency, lead toxicity and people with a hereditary history of sideroblastic or thalassemia. During an injury or trauma, blood loss happens and in that area, platelets clot the blood. Increasing or decreasing number of platelets can cause abnormalities in accurate blood clotting. This results in excessive bleeding. In case of MCH, a CBC test is also suggested to diagnose the different blood or organ dysfunctionalities. Increased levels of MCH can also be found in vitamin B12 and thyroid problems. Even alcoholism can increase the level as well.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration is a blood test and is conducted by drawing blood from the arm vein. A needle is inserted into the vein after wrapping an elastic band around the upper arm. A gauze pad is placed on the collection site after removing the needle. The blood sample is immediately transferred into the container which has preservative or clot activator or anti-coagulant.