MCH
The average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
| Typical reference range | 27–33 pg |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is calculated from hemoglobin and RBC count. It tends to track MCV because larger cells hold more hemoglobin.
Why it matters
MCH helps characterize anemia; low values indicate pale (hypochromic) cells typical of iron deficiency or thalassemia.
What a high result can mean
High MCH usually accompanies macrocytosis from B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol or liver disease.
What a low result can mean
Low MCH is seen with iron deficiency, thalassemia and anemia of chronic disease.
What affects the result
Interpret with MCV, MCHC and RDW; it rarely adds information independently.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in pg.
- From fmol: multiply by 16.11 to get pg
Also called on lab reports
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, Mean Cell Hemoglobin
Related tests: Red Blood Cells
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.