Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Mean hemoglobin mass of red blood cell (MCH)
MCH is usually measured as a part of blood count and is used to help diagnose anemia.
Mean red blood cell hemoglobin mass (MCH)
- MCH value shows the amount of hemoglobin contained in one red blood cell.
- MCH test is used to help diagnose anemia.
- Most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are fatigue and impaired physical.
What is mean red blood cell hemoglobin mass (MCH)?
MCH value shows the amount of hemoglobin contained in one red blood cell. Hemoglobin is a blood protein. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the body. In anemia, the level of hemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal.
MCH is usually measured as a part of blood count and is used to help diagnose anemia.
Reference values for MCH
Reference value for MCH for both (adult) women and men is 27–33%.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
Low MCH value
Low MCH is usually a sign of microcytic anemia. In microcytic anemia, the red blood cells are too small and cannot carry as much hemoglobin as they should.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of microcytic anemia and can be caused, for example, by prolonged blood loss due to heavy menstruation or intestinal bleeding.
MCH may also be lower than normal in hypochromic anemia. In this type of anemia, hemoglobin level is reduced proportionally more than the red blood cell count.
High MCH value
High MCH value is usually a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too large due to factors such as a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
A high MCH may also be due to the following factors:
- liver diseases
- hyperthyroidism
- excessive use of alcohol
- complications of cancer treatments
- complications of infections
- estrogen-rich medication
FAQ
If the platelet count is too high, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of this condition. Common ways to manage platelet count include hydration and the use of blood thinners such as aspirin as directed by a doctor. In some cases, other medications or treatments may be used, such as blood thinners or treatments aimed at improving blood circulation. It is important to discuss with a doctor before starting any treatment.
An adult human has an average of about five liters of blood. The amount of blood can vary individually and is about 7-8% of a person’s total body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms has about five and a half liters of blood. The amount of blood is important as it transports oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body and helps remove waste products.
Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days in the human body. After this, they are primarily broken down in the spleen, where their iron is salvaged and used to produce new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells can vary among different people and under different conditions, but 120 days is a generally accepted average.
The treatment of macrocytosis typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If macrocytosis is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, treatment includes supplementing these vitamins. If it is related to alcohol use, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is recommended. The doctor may also prescribe other treatments depending on the cause of the macrocytosis.
The rate of decrease in MCV (mean corpuscular volume) depends on what has caused the change. For example, in the treatment of iron deficiency, MCV can start to decrease within a few weeks of starting iron supplementation. If the change in MCV is due to other health-related causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow diseases, the rate of decrease can vary.
A complete blood count is usually taken when there is a desire to get a comprehensive picture of a person’s general health status or when there is a need to monitor certain health-related changes. A complete blood count can help identify various conditions, such as anemia.
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Vital laboratory package Total includes 29 values and is a great choice when you want to gain more thorough information about the well-being of your body.
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Blood count is a series of tests that measure for example the hemoglobin level in the blood. All of Vital’s laboratory packages include blood count.
Vital laboratory package Basic includes 21 values that give you a wide range of information on how your body is doing. It includes blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, ferritin and studies of the functioning of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
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Basophils are white blood cells
Basophils are white blood cells that fight parasitic diseases, prevent unnecessary blood clotting, and mediate allergic reactions.
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Creatinine (Crea)
Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
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Eosinophils are white blood cells
Eosinophils play a particularly important role in reactions related to allergies, allergic dermatitis, and asthma.
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Erythrocytes or red blood cell count
The number of red blood cells is examined in connection with a blood count. In cases of anemia, the number of red blood cells is low.
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Hematocrit, volume percentage of red blood cells in blood
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. In anemia, the red blood cell count is reduced.
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Hemoglobin (Hb) – Measurement and reference values
When suspecting anemia, it is important to test the hemoglobin. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include paleness and fatigue.
Article updated:
23 October 2024