MCH, MCHC & MCV

MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN (MCH)

MCH is the average mass (weight) of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. This value is calculated by dividing the total hemoglobin mass by the number of red blood cells in the blood. The most common cause of an abnormal value is some form of anemia. The MCH value usually goes hand in hand with the MCV value.

Reference ranges:

• Adults 27–33 pg

MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION (MCHC)

MCHC is the average hemoglobin concentration in each red blood cell. This value is calculated by dividing the total hemoglobin mass by the blood volume. The most common causes of an abnormal value include some form of anemia, serious burns, blood loss, hyperactive thyroid, and liver disease.

Reference ranges:

• Adults: 320–355 g/l

MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME (MCV)

MCV is the average volume of red blood cells. This value is calculated using the following formula: hematocrit (percentage) x 10 divided by the number of red blood cells (RBC). MCV provides information on the size of the red blood cells. When the MCV value increases, red blood cells are larger than usual (macrocytic). This is commonly associated with megaloblastic anemias (such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency). A high MCV value may be caused by long-term excessive alcohol use, hypothyreosis or chronic liver disease. When the MCV value decreases, red blood cells are smaller than usual (microcytic). This is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. A low MCV value together with a low or borderline hemoglobin value is a clear indicator of iron deficiency anemia.

Reference ranges:

• Adults: 82–98 fl