What are MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW?
MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW are four laboratory values that provide information on the functionality of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) – i.e. their ability to transport oxygen. For this transport, the oxygen is bound to the red blood pigment in the erythrocytes (called hemoglobin). MCH, MCHC and MCV are also referred to as erythrocyte indices.
MCH value
The MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) indicates the average haemoglobin content of a single erythrocyte. The term HbE value is sometimes used instead of MCH value.
MCHC value
MCV value
The MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is the average volume of a single erythrocyte. In most cases, the MCH blood value and the MCV blood value change in the same direction. For example, if the MCH is too low, the MCV is usually also too low.
RDW value
The RDW (red cell distribution width) is also translated as erythrocyte distribution width (EVB). The RDW blood value is a measure of the volume differences, i.e. the size distribution of the erythrocytes.
When are MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW determined?
A reduced number of erythrocytes in the blood is also known as anemia. It can have many different causes. The determination of MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW helps to find the correct cause.
Normal values of MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW
|
MCH |
normal range |
|
up to 1 day |
33 – 41 pg |
|
2 to 6 days |
29 – 41 pg |
|
7 to 37 days |
26 – 38 pg |
|
38 to 50 days |
25 – 37 pg |
|
51 days to 10 weeks |
24 – 36 pg |
|
11 to 14 weeks |
23 – 36 pg |
|
15 weeks to 10 months |
21 – 33 pg |
|
11 months to 3 years |
23 – 31 pg |
|
4 to 12 years |
25 – 31 pg |
|
13 to 16 years |
26 – 32 pg |
|
from 17 years |
28 – 33 pg |
The abbreviation “pg” stands for picogram.
|
MCHC |
normal range |
|
up to 1 day |
31 – 35 g/dl |
|
2 to 6 days |
24 – 36 g/dl |
|
7 to 23 days |
26 – 34 g/dl |
|
24 to 37 days |
25 – 34 g/dl |
|
38 days to 7 months |
26 – 34 g/dl |
|
8 to 14 months |
28 – 32 g/dl |
|
15 months to 3 years |
26 – 34 g/dl |
|
4 to 16 years |
32 – 36 g/dl |
|
from 17 years |
male: 32 – 36 g/dl |
The abbreviation “g/dl” stands for grams per deciliter.
|
MCV |
standard range |
|
up to 1 day |
98 – 122 fl |
|
2 to 6 days |
94 – 135 fl |
|
7 to 23 days |
84 – 128 fl |
|
38 to 50 days |
81 – 125 fl |
|
51 days to 10 weeks |
81 – 121 fl |
|
11 to 14 weeks |
77 – 113 fl |
|
15 weeks to 7 months |
73 – 109 fl |
|
8 to 10 months |
74 – 106 fl |
|
11 to 14 months |
74 – 102 fl |
|
15 months to 3 years |
73 – 101 fl |
|
4 to 12 years |
77 – 89 fl |
|
13 to 16 years |
79 – 92 fl |
|
from 17 years |
male: 83 – 98 fl female: 85 – 98 fl |
The abbreviation “fl” stands for femtoliter.
|
RDW |
Standard range |
|
all ages |
11,9 – 14,5 % |
When are MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW reduced?
Rarer causes are diseases in which the formation of hemoglobin is disturbed (hemoglobinopathies), such as thalassemia.
When are MCH, MCHC, MCV and RDW elevated?
If the MCH value is elevated and the MCV is too high in the same sense, this is referred to as hyperchromic macrocytic anemia: The erythrocytes are strongly colored and enlarged due to the increased hemoglobin they contain. There is usually a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is also known as pernicious anemia. Alcoholism can also be the cause of an increase in MCH.
If MCV, MCH and MCHC are elevated, this may be due to a measurement error caused by so-called cold agglutinins. Cold agglutinins are certain antibodies that “clump” the erythrocytes together so that the volume is measured too high and the number too low. If the sample is warmed up and measured again, the MCHC blood value should be within the normal range.
What should I do if my MCH, MCV, MCHC and RDW are altered?
Your doctor will treat you depending on the underlying disease. For example, if you have an iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, the missing substances will be given as tablets. In some cases, blood transfusions may also be necessary if the anemia is too severe. One or more control measurements during the course of the treatment provide information as to whether the MCH, MCV, MCHC and RDW values have returned to normal and the therapy is successful.
