Understanding Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration: A Key Indicator of Blood Health

Every cell in your body receives oxygen from your lungs through red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes. The health of your RBCs is checked on the parameters of shape, size, and quality of the RBC. The average size of the RBCs is measured with the test mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and the average amount of haemoglobin (a protein in RBCs that carries oxygen) in one RBC is measured by mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), both of which are part of the complete blood count (CBC), a commonly advised blood test. Combining the results of other tests with the results of an MCV blood test can help in the diagnosis anaemia, liver failure, or other disorders. Let us understand the significance of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and its role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

Meaning of Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin denotes the average quantity or amount of haemoglobin contained within an erythrocyte. Haemoglobin is a vital protein in the RBC that enables the transportation of oxygen by RBCs.

Red blood cell indices is a term that encompasses tests that aid in understanding the size and haemoglobin content of red blood cells. They can be calculated if the values of red blood cell count, haematocrit (percentage of RBCs in blood), and haemoglobin are known. These indices are categorised into four tests – mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, MCHC (meaning mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration), and red cell distribution width, each shedding light on distinct aspects of red blood cell properties, and are done as a part of the complete blood count (CBC). Let’s take a detailed look at mean corpuscular haemoglobin. 

To evaluate your mean corpuscular haemoglobin, a blood specimen is extracted from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You might experience a minor prick sensation as the needle is inserted or removed. Typically, this procedure takes under five minutes. Lastly, the blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing. 

The normal value for mean corpuscular haemoglobin is 29±2 picograms (pg) per cell.  An elevated mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicate macrocytosis. Macrocytosis is when red blood cells are larger than usual.  Usually, the cause of macrocytosis could be connected to the unusual development of red blood cells, a rise in reticulocyte count, an unusual composition of red blood cell membranes, or a blend of these three factors. 

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) High

The average amount of haemoglobin in a single red blood cell is MCH. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin higher than the normal values indicates you may have anaemia due to vitamin B deficiency or increased cholesterol levels in the blood.

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) Low

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin lower than the normal values indicates you may have iron-deficiency anaemia. 

Monitoring haemoglobin levels plays a pivotal role in finding and addressing iron-deficiency anaemia, allowing for timely intervention and appropriate treatment.

Understanding Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration

Mean cell haemoglobin concentration, also known as mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration is also one of the red blood indices. MCHC represents the average level of haemoglobin concentration within the red blood cells and provides a correlation between the amount of haemoglobin in the cell and the cell's volume.

Mean cell haemoglobin concentration is typically measured in grams per decilitre (g/dL) or as a percentage. The standard value of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration is around 34±2 g/dL. 

Low MCHC levels indicate conditions like thalassemia (a genetic condition in which the body does not make enough haemoglobin) or anaemia caused by iron deficiency, whereas high MCHC levels indicate conditions like spherocytosis (a hereditary condition in which red blood cells are round and not spherical) or haemolytic anaemia (caused by breaking down of RBCs). 

Is Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration a Key Indicator of Blood Health?

Yes, mean cell haemoglobin concentration is indeed a significant indicator of blood health. It provides insight into the concentration of haemoglobin within the red blood cells and correlates the amount of haemoglobin in a cell with its volume.

Mean cell haemoglobin concentration values outside the normal range can indicate various health conditions, such as anaemia and thalassemia.

Monitoring mean cell haemoglobin concentration aids in diagnosing and managing these conditions, thus contributing to the comprehensive assessment of blood health and overall well-being.

Book CBC Test Online With Orange Health Labs

Regular health checkups are crucial for understanding your overall health. Similarly, getting a CBC test is necessary for understanding your blood health. With the various developments in at-home sample collection for laboratory tests, it is now easy to book tests quickly at home. Here are a few quick steps you can follow to get a CBC test: 

• Login to our site.
• Based on where you live, select your location. 
• Next, click on “Lab Tests.”
• You can then select the CBC test options available based on the recommendation of your doctor. 

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Understanding the mean cell haemoglobin and its concentration allows us to discover an essential indicator for measuring blood health. It helps in determining the health, size, and haemoglobin content of red blood cells and reveals a route for a thorough health evaluation. Regular checkups can help in the early detection of diseases and lead to better treatment outcomes.