What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells of the body. It is required by the red blood cells to transport oxygen to different parts of the body.
What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the average amount of hemoglobin present in red blood cells.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To diagnose different types of anemias
- As a part of complete blood count.
- What is MCH?
MCH or Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is the mean concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
- What are the symptoms of high MCH?
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Nausea
- Bloating
- What are the symptoms of low MCH?
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
- How is low MCH treated?
Low MCH may be treated by using:
- Iron-rich foods
- Iron supplements
- Blood transfusion.
- How is high MCH treated?
High MCH may be treated by using:
- Vitamin B 12 rich foods
- Folate rich foods
- Supplements
- B 12 injections.
Normal ranges:
Adults: 27 – 31 picograms
Newborns: 32-34 picograms.
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of low MCH:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia
- Hemorrhage
- Kidney diseases
- Liver diseases.
Causes of High MCH:
- Vitamin B 12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Polycythemia Vera
- Congenital heart defects
- Kidney diseases
- Lung diseases.
