MCH stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin. It is a measurement of the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
MCH levels are measured in picograms (pg). The normal range for MCH is:
- 27 to 32 pg for adults
- 22 to 36 pg for children
High MCH levels can be a sign of macrocytic anemia, a type of anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. This can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid, or by certain medications.
Low MCH levels can be a sign of microcytic anemia, a type of anemia in which the red blood cells are smaller than normal. This can be caused by iron deficiency, thalassemia, or certain infections.
MCH levels can also be affected by other conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid disease.
If your MCH levels are outside of the normal range, your doctor will likely order other tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Here are some things you can do to maintain healthy MCH levels:
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get regular exercise.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- See your doctor for regular checkups and blood tests.