What does MCH stand for in hematology?

MCH stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin. This term refers to the average amount of hemoglobin present in a single red blood cell. It is a key parameter often measured in a complete blood count (CBC) and provides valuable information about the hemoglobin content of red blood cells, which is essential for assessing various types of anemia and other blood disorders.

MCH is calculated by dividing the total hemoglobin by the number of red blood cells and is usually expressed in picograms per cell. Understanding MCH helps healthcare professionals interpret a patient's hemoglobin levels relative to their red blood cell count, thereby aiding in diagnosing conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and more.