MCH Test

What is MCH?

• Definition: MCH measures the average amount of hemoglobin (in picograms, pg) per red blood cell.
• Function: Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. MCH helps evaluate the oxygen-carrying capacity of your red blood cells.

Why is MCH Important?

• Oxygen Transport: Determines how well your red blood cells can transport oxygen to tissues and organs.
• Anemia Diagnosis: Helps diagnose different types of anemia based on the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells.

When is MCH Measured?

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): MCH is routinely measured as part of a CBC, which also includes other parameters like hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count.
• Anemia Evaluation: Specifically used to evaluate microcytic or macrocytic anemias where red blood cell size and hemoglobin content are abnormal.