The MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) Blood Test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

MCH is reported as part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and is typically measured in picograms (pg). Doctors use MCH together with MCV, MCHC, RDW, hemoglobin, and RBC count to classify anemia and identify the most likely causes.

At MCV Blood test (Houston, TX), MCH is calculated accurately from automated hematology analyzers and included in your full CBC report for physician review.

MCH helps determine whether your red blood cells carry a normal amount of hemoglobin. When MCH is low, red blood cells tend to be paler (hypochromic), suggesting conditions like iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.

When MCH is high, it often occurs with large red blood cells (macrocytosis) and can be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism, or medication effects. MCH alone is not a diagnosis — it is one key piece of the CBC pattern.

MCH is especially helpful when interpreted together with MCV (cell size) and MCHC (hemoglobin concentration), allowing physicians to understand both the cell size and hemoglobin content.

Low MCH: Often seen when red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal (hypochromic pattern). Common causes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia traits, chronic blood loss, or anemia of chronic disease (doctor-directed evaluation).

High MCH: Often occurs when red blood cells are larger and carry more hemoglobin per cell. This may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism, or certain medication effects.

Important: MCH alone cannot confirm a diagnosis. Doctors interpret it with MCV, MCHC, RDW, ferritin, iron studies, and clinical symptoms.