Understanding Low MCH Levels: Causes & What to Expect

Question
I am trying to read between the lines of a question you already answered.  My MCH is at 34.4.  I know it is only .4 above the highest range.  I have changed a lot of things recently with the help of a Dr. but before I meet with him about this new test i want to understand why.  My test in January was at 35.2 so it is down but I don't know why.  I have looked up the high hemoglobin causes and don't really fit.  i don't live in High altitude, i don't smoke and not really sure what the post partum is referring to.  Is there any other reasons it can be high and what do I do to change it?

Answer
Hi Leslie, I'd be glad to try and answer your question.  Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell. Macrocytic RBCs are larger than normal and also tend to have a higher MCH.  Your result is only the slightest bit high, so as long as your other RBC indices are normal, I wouldn't be concerned.  Other RBC indices are: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Red cell distribution width (RDW), and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).  You might want to check that your hemoglobin and hematocrit (H & H) is within normal limits also.


Samantha