Routine blood tests are used to diagnose many diseases and evaluate the response to treatment. Hemogram, or complete blood count, as it is commonly known among the people, is at the beginning of the routine tests.
What is MCH?
MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin), which can be translated into Turkish as mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, is also one of the values measured during the hemogram test. The MCH value, which provides information about the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells or red blood cells, should be in the range of 21 to 31 pg. The MCH level can vary depending on the size and amount of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow and the amount of iron in the body. Many health problems that cause the differentiation of these factors affecting the MCH value can lead to an increase or decrease in the MCH value. What is MCH height or MCH height? Before answering questions such as “What is the MCH blood value?” It is necessary to answer the question.
Routine blood tests are performed to diagnose health problems and to determine the course of many types of diseases. One of the complete blood count parameters, which is one of these tests, is MCH. Frequently asked “What is a hemogram MCH?” or “What is MCH in the blood?” These questions can be answered in this way.
RBC (red blood cell, erythrocyte, red blood cell) are the cells that give the blood its red color thanks to iron-containing proteins (hemoglobin). Red blood cells, which make up 40% of the blood, also constitute approximately 99% of the formed elements of the blood. Oxygen taken into the lungs during respiration is bound by the RBC and transported to all tissues and organs in the body. Carbon dioxide, which is released by the use of oxygen by the cells, is also bound by erythrocytes and transported to the lungs. This gas is expelled from the body when the person exhales. The MCH value provides information about the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
In this way, the physician can understand whether there is enough hemoglobin in the red blood cells of the person. The MCH value is different in each cell. In other words, not every RBC contains an equal amount of hemoglobin. Therefore, when a single RBC cell is examined under a microscope, how much hemoglobin does these cells contain? incomprehensible. During the hemogram test, the hemoglobin density of the red blood cells in the blood is evaluated separately and the average is taken. Thus, the MCH value is revealed. “What is the MCH value?” or “What is MCH?” These questions can also be answered in this way. The reference range of the MCH value, or in other words the normal MCH value, is in the range of 27 to 31 pg in healthy individuals. If the
MCH value is above this level, it is defined as MCH high, and below it is defined as MCH low. The difference in MCH value differs based on RBC size, amount and level of iron present in the body. In addition, many types of diseases that affect these parameters may cause the MCH value to differ. is defined. This means that the person has a problem with RBC production or that the person does not have enough iron in their body. In addition, low MCH indicates that the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low.
The low level of hemoglobin in erythrocytes causes these cells to be smaller and pale in color. Low MCH can develop due to many different disorders. Frequently asked “What is low MCH?” This question can be answered in this way. Some of the disorders that interrupt hemoglobin production and reduce its amount can be listed as follows:
- Iron Deficiency: Inadequate consumption of iron-containing food sources and causes such as bleeding lead to iron deficiency. The lack of iron mineral in the body hinders the production of hemoglobin. This causes a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In addition, iron deficiency and low MCH may occur after severe menstrual bleeding, traumas, internal bleeding, active bleeding, surgical interventions.
- Chronic Diseases: Iron metabolism in the body in the presence of kidney diseases, rheumatological diseases and some hormonal disorders. it breaks down. In the presence of this type of chronic diseases, red blood cell production is impaired and therefore a low MCH may occur in the person.
- Types of Genetically Inherited Anemia: Tala In the presence of some genetically inherited hematological disorders such as Mediterranean anemia, which is defined as semi-deteriorated hemoglobin structure occurs. As a result, the amount of hemoglobin may decrease.
- Types of Sideroblastic Anemia: Deterioration in the hemoglobin structure of red blood cells occurs due to genetically inherited or acquired reasons. This is due to defects in iron metabolism. This situation, which is frequently seen in sideroblastic anemia, may lead to low MCH.
What are the Symptoms of Low MCH?
Low MCH detected during routine examinations is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia. In this context, some of the symptoms seen in low MCH can be listed as follows:
- Fatigue and weakness,
- Palpitations,
- Restlessness,
- Pale skin,
- Loss of appetite,
- Hair loss,
- Easy breakage of nails,
- Deformity of nails,
- In children loss of attention and concentration.
What is MCH Height?
A MCH value above 31 pg in the complete blood count test is defined as MCH elevation. This situation, which means that there is more hemoglobin in the red blood cells than it should be, can occur due to many different health problems. “What is MCH, what does high mean in blood test report?” This question can be answered in this way. Some of the disorders that cause high MCH can be listed as follows:
- Types of Genetically Inherited Anemia: In types of anemia such as hereditary spherocytosis, deterioration in the protein structures of red blood cells occurs. High MCH can be seen in such disorders that cause the size of erythrocytes to increase. Vitamin deficiencies that cause red blood cells to become larger in size cause disfigurement in these cell types. In this case, the person may experience high MCH.
- Hemoglobin Disease RI: In some hemoglobin diseases such as sickle cell anemia, an increase in MCH value can be observed. Usage: When alcohol consumption is excessive, deterioration in the size and shape of red blood cells is observed. This may cause high MCH in the person.
What are the Symptoms of High MCH?
High MCH usually occurs due to factors such as vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. . In the light of this information, some of the symptoms seen in MCH elevation can be listed as follows:
- Forgetfulness,
- Shortness of breath,
- Palpitations,
- Attention and concentration deficiency,
- Diarrhea,
- Loss of appetite,
- Pale skin,
- Easily brittle nails,
- Weakness ,
- Fatigue,
- Weight loss.
What Does Low and High MCH Mean?
A low or high MCH value in blood tests is not a sign of a disease by itself. In order for the MCH value to be below or above the reference range to be meaningful, the MCH level should be evaluated together with other parameters in the hemogram test. In other words, the MCH value may be significant in the presence of findings suggesting different disorders in the person. For example, if the person has signs of iron deficiency anemia and this is supported by low MCH, iron supplementation is recommended. A low MCH value in a patient who is likely to experience blood loss indicates that the bleeding focus should be investigated. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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