Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

Haematology marker

MCH

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

Category: Haematology
Unit: pg

Average amount of haemoglobin per red blood cell.

PED Notes

Not typically affected by AAS. Low MCH with low MCV suggests iron deficiency, common in athletes who donate blood regularly to manage high haematocrit.

When low (<27 pg -- parallels low MCV):

Cause: Almost always iron deficiency. In AAS users, typically from regular blood donation depleting iron stores while erythropoiesis remains stimulated.

Supplements:

  • Iron Bisglycinate -- 25-50mg/day with Vitamin C 500mg for absorption
  • Vitamin C -- 500mg taken with iron to enhance absorption

Follow-up:

  • Confirm with iron studies (Ferritin, Serum Iron, Transferrin Saturation)
  • MCH normalises alongside MCV as iron stores replenish (8-12 weeks)
  • If MCH is low but iron studies are normal, investigate thalassaemia trait

When high (>33 pg):

  • Usually parallels high MCV (macrocytosis) -- check B12 and Folate
  • Rarely clinically significant in isolation

References:

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

27 - 33 pg

Statistics