MCH
MCH is the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell. It follows MCV: small cells usually contain less hemoglobin (lower MCH).
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to a doctor | below 27.1 pg | |
| Good | 27.1 – 33.3 pg | Within the reference range. |
| Talk to a doctor | 33.3 pg and above |
Why it matters
Helps characterize anemia.
If it’s low
Low MCH (cells with less hemoglobin) most often accompanies iron deficiency or thalassemia.
If it’s high
High MCH often accompanies large cells (B12/folate deficiency, alcohol).
What to do
Interpret it with MCV and hemoglobin; the direction of the cause is the same as for MCV (iron vs B12/folate).
When to see a doctor
Abnormal with anemia — look for the cause (iron, B12)
Read together with
MCV · Hemoglobin · Ferritin · Vitamin B12
Part of the guide: Complete blood count (CBC) →
Articles about this marker
- Complete blood count (CBC): what the basic blood count meansMarker explained
- MCV, MCH and MCHC: what high and low red cell indices meanComplete blood count (CBC)
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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