Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

MCH is calculated from hemoglobin and red blood cell count, expressed in picograms (pg) per cell.

Clinical uses include:

Classifying different types of anemia (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic).

Supporting diagnosis of conditions like iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and vitamin B12/folate deficiency.

Monitoring overall red blood cell health in routine blood work.

The test is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel.

Analyte: Average hemoglobin content per red blood cell.

Normal Range: Approximately 27–33 pg/cell (varies slightly by lab).

Low MCH: Suggests hypochromic anemia (e.g., iron deficiency, thalassemia).

High MCH: Suggests macrocytic anemia (e.g., vitamin B12 or folate deficiency).

Clinical Use:

Helps classify anemia type.

Provides supportive information alongside MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration).

Guides further diagnostic testing and treatment.