Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin content (MCH) represents the average amount of hemoglobin contained in each red blood cell in the blood. The normal value of mean erythrocyte hemoglobin content for a normal adult is 26-34 pg, and a mean hemoglobin content below 26 pg is called below normal. The average hemoglobin level is mostly used for the differential diagnosis of specific types of anemia in patients.
The mean hemoglobin level needs to be analyzed in conjunction with the amount of hemoglobin, the average volume of red blood cells, and the average red blood cell hemoglobin concentration. First, if the hemoglobin value is lower than normal, the patient is anemic, and then the type of anemia is determined based on the average red blood cell volume and the average hemoglobin content. If the mean hemoglobin level is below 26 pg or the mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration is below 32%, the patient is said to have hypochromic anemia. This narrows down the etiology and, together with other relevant tests, identifies the cause of the patient’s anemia.
Small-cell hypochromic anemia is a common clinical condition, such as iron-deficiency anemia, iron-granulocytic anemia, maritime anemia and chronic disease anemia, i.e., patients with these types of anemia have a low mean erythrocyte hemoglobin content.
It is important to point out that if the tests indicate normal hemoglobin and red blood cell mean volume values, but only low mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, it is of little clinical significance and should be reviewed periodically.
As mentioned above, the mean hemoglobin level is mostly used for the differential diagnosis of specific types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia, iron-granulocytic anemia, maritime anemia and chronic disease anemia are the common causes of low mean erythrocyte hemoglobin level.