Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

MCH: What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Shows the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

Test summary

Test name: MCH
Abbreviations: MCH
Category: Hematology
Panel: RBC Indices / Hemogram
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: pg/cell

What does the test measure?

Shows the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

Why is the test ordered?

Used as one of the red-cell indices to help characterize anemia patterns.

Information about a low result

A low MCH means there is less hemoglobin per red blood cell and may occur in microcytic or hypochromic patterns such as iron deficiency.

Information about a high result

A high MCH may accompany larger red blood cells and is not a specific diagnostic finding on its own.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference range 1

>= 27 – <= 32 pg/cell

Population: General
Specimen: Whole blood

Example reference interval

MedlinePlus example.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

MCH is generally more informative when interpreted together with MCV and MCHC.

Related specialties

Hematology
Internal Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Low MCH: What Does It Mean?

Sources

CBC blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · CBC components; example adult reference ranges; high/low RBC, WBC and platelet context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW definitions and interpretation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026