High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body. High MCH scores may also be the result of the following: liver diseases.
Does high MCH mean cancer?
Having MCH levels above 31 picograms/cell is most commonly associated with the following conditions: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood disease typically caused by a genetic mutation where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells) Congenital heart defects. Certain types of kidney diseases, including kidney cancer.
What does it mean when your MCH level is low?
A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.
Is it bad if my MCH is high?
You may not feel bad if your MCH is high. But it may be a sign that your red blood cells aren’t dividing the right way. This may cause anemia because you end up with fewer red blood cells. You could have symptoms similar to low MCH.
What does MCHC mean in medical terms?
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues within your body.
What does low MCV and MCH mean?
Common conditions resulting in a hypochromic microcytic anemia (low MCV and MCH) include thalassemia and iron deficiency; and, less commonly, anemias associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, genetic determinants for Hb C, congenital defects in copper metabolism, some forms of sideroblastic anemia, and other
What causes high MCH and MCHC?
Causes of high MCHC include: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: This is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells. Sometimes, high MCHC develops on its own, but it can also occur alongside lupus or lymphoma. It can also happen as a result of taking certain medications.
Is High MCHC bad?
A normal (normochromia) or high (hyperchromia) MCHC means that the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells is normal. However, it may still be deficient if not enough red blood cells are present.
What is MCHC vs MCH?
MCH quantifies the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell. The normal values for MCH are 29 ± 2 picograms (pg) per cell. MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin per unit volume. In contrast to MCH, MCHC correlates the hemoglobin content with the volume of the cell.
What does MCH in blood work mean?
MCH is short for ” mean corpuscular hemoglobin.” It’s the average amount in each of your red blood cells of a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body. It’s possible you’ll learn about MCH when you get a blood test called a CBC (complete blood count).
How high can MCH levels go?
MCH levels over 34 pg are generally considered abnormally high. The most common reason for high MCH is macrocytic anemia, which is a blood disorder in which the body fails to produce enough red blood cells.
What is a normal MCHC level for a woman?
The reference range for MCHC in adults is 33.4–35.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). If your MCHC value is below 33.4 grams per deciliter, you have low MCHC. Low MCHC values occur if you have anemia due to iron deficiency. It can also indicate thalassemia.
What does a low MCHC mean in a blood test?
A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone’s red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body.
What is a dangerously high MCV level?
An average MCV score is between 80 and 95. If the MCV goes up to an extreme of 125, it may indicate vitamin B12, folate deficiencies, or cold agglutinin disease. A higher MCV value indicates that the red blood cells are larger than the average size.