What Does MCH Low Means in Blood Test Results?

Each blood test’s parameter tells a unique story about your health. MCH, or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, is one such measure. The MCH test reports may show “Low.” What does this mean? MCH low means your blood has a potential imbalance, affecting your overall well-being. 

MCH test reports can also be high. It is important to understand what MCH test results are and what a low MCH indicates. 

In today’s blog, let’s understand what MCH low in a blood test means. 

About MCH 

MCH, or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, is the amount of hemoglobin present per red blood cell. Hemoglobin is an essential protein in RBCs that helps carry oxygen throughout your body and keeps your body functioning. 

MCH is a parameter performed in the complete blood count test, which measures the average amount of hemoglobin in your RBCs. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/mchc-blood-test-procedure-preparation-and-more/ 

CBC Test

MCH in CBC is a value that checks for hemoglobin levels and diagnoses medical conditions such as anemia. CBC is a blood test that measures the number and types of cells in the blood. 

MCH is not the only component of the CBC test. Here are other elements of CBC. 

1. Lymphocytes 
2. MCH 
3. MCHC 
4. MCV 
5. Monocytes
6. Hemoglobin Hb
7. RDW
8. WBC
9. PCT 
10. Neutrophils

MCH Normal Range 

MCH levels refer to the average amount of hemoglobin present in red blood cells. People often confuse between MCH levels and MCHC levels. 

MCH levels are the average amount of hemoglobin. Meanwhile, MCHC levels are the average weight of that hemoglobin based on the volume of the red blood cells. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-test/what-are-mch-levels/ 

MCH Normal Range Table

The MCH levels are measured in picograms (pg) per cell. The range may differ for every person. Here is the blood test MCH normal range. 

MCH Range	MCH Level
Low	Less than 27
Normal	27 to 31
High	More than 31

Causes of MCH Low 

There are various potential causes of low MCH levels. These include: 

1. Iron-deficiency Anemia- Iron-deficiency causes anemia is a lack of iron in the blood. This may lead to health complications such as malnutrition, heavy internal bleeding, complications in pregnancy, and heavy menstruation. 
2. Microcytic Anemia- Microcytic anemia is a condition when red blood cells are smaller than usual. This happens because of a lack of hemoglobin. 
3. Hemoglobinopathy- Hemoglobinopathy is a group of conditions that affect hemoglobin. It includes sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. 

Symptoms of MCH Low 

People with macrocytic anemia may experience symptoms. Some may not notice these signs initially, but they gradually worsen. 

1. Chronic fatigue 
2. Dizziness 
3. Weakness 
4. Shortness of breath 
5. Pale skin 
6. Yellowish eyes 
7. Dark-colored pee
8. Pain and swelling in hands and feet 
9. Frequent body pain
10. Abdominal swelling 

MCH High in Blood Test Means

If your MCH test reports indicate high levels, it can indicate a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body. A high MCH level means your red blood cells are larger than normal. This situation is called macrocytosis. 

Causes of High MCH Levels 

The causes of MCH high in blood tests are: 

• Complications from certain cancers
• Certain medications containing estrogen 
• Liver disease
• An overactive thyroid gland 
• Regular consumption of alcohol 
• Complications from an infection. 
• Hypothyroidism 
• Too little vitamin B12 
• Some blood cancer 

Symptoms of High MCH Levels 

People may experience symptoms because of macrocytic anemia. But, some may not notice these signs at first, which gradually get worse with time. 

Symptoms of High MCH levels are: 

• Pale skin 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Brittle nails 
• Confusion and memory loss 
• Tiredness 
• Poor concentration or brain fog

Tips to Manage the MCH Levels 

MCH levels can be controlled with regular health checkups. Book yourself a CBC test from Redcliffe Labs for just INR 299. The test can help measure blood components to diagnose various disorders. 

However, here are certain tips to incorporate into your daily life to manage MCH's low levels. 

1. Add food rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables, tofu, lentils, beans, and red meat. These foods can also help in curbing vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency and manage your MCH levels. 
2. Consult your doctor and follow the treatment provided by them. This treatment can help in the effective management and treatment of MCH levels in the blood. 
3. Add supplements for iron and vitamins which can increase your MCH levels. Remember to take them in moderation and after consulting with your doctor. 
4. Don’t make sudden dietary changes to your diet. Always consult a dietician and then incorporate medications, food, and supplements into your diet. 

FAQs 

Ques1 What is MCH in a blood test? 

Ans1 MCH or Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is a volume that measures the average amount of hemoglobin present in each red blood cell. It is an important parameter of the CBC blood test, which can help diagnose anemia and other blood-related disorders. 

Ques2 What does MCH low level mean? 

Ans2 A low MCH level means hemoglobin deficiency, which can be because of iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia. The low MCH level also shows that your red blood cells may find it difficult to carry enough oxygen. 

Ques3 What is the normal range for MCH in a blood test? 

Ans3 The normal range for MCH in a blood test is 27 to 31 picograms per red blood cell. Any range below indicates ‘Low MCH’, while any number above indicates ‘high MCH’. 

Key Takeaways 

MCH low means the presence of anemia or iron deficiency. It can happen when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. The low level can be an inherited blood disorder, which can create a problem with the shape of hemoglobin. It can cause thalassemia and sickle cell disease. 

The best is to take a complete blood count test and monitor your MCH levels promptly. This can also help with the management and treatment of blood cancers or inherited blood disorders. Book the CBC test from Redcliffe Labs and plan your treatment and management accordingly.