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.

What does it mean if your MCH 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.

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 happens if MCV and MCH are low?

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 does a low MCH mean in a blood test?

Your blood test will have a low result when the MCH is below 26 picograms per red blood cell. This can indicate any of the following conditions: The most common cause of a low MCH is iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral necessary for hemoglobin production. One can get this mineral in various food products.

What is the MCHC test?

MCHC checks the average amount of hemoglobin in a group of red blood cells. Your doctor may use both measurements to help in a diagnosis of anemia. It’s a condition caused by not having enough healthy red blood cells, or the red blood cells you do have don’t work as well as they should. Anemia can make you feel extremely tired.

What is the normal range for MCH?

A normal MCH will range from 27 to 33 picograms of hemoglobin per red blood cell. Some patients will have high or low concentrations of hemoglobin due to various reasons such as nutrient deficiency. What Does Low MCH Mean? Your blood test will have a low result when the MCH is below 26 picograms per red blood cell.

Can thyroid problems cause high MCH levels?

Thyroid dysfunction and MCH levels. Thyroid dysfunction can cause low or high MCH levels. According to the journal Polish Archives of International Medicine, different forms of anemia can develop from thyroid dysfunction. However, it is unclear if thyroid dysfunction always causes low MCH or high MCH levels.