What does low MCH and low MCV blood test mean?
Low MCV and MCH but Without Anemia Although MCH can be used to figure out if an anemia is hypo-, normo-, or hyperchromic, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) needs to be considered in addition to the MCH given that cell volume (MCV) impacts the material of hemoglobin present per cell (MCH), and MCH can decrease or increase in parallel to the MCV.
What causes low hemoglobin and low MCHC?
The most common cause of low MCHC is anemia. Hypochromic microcytic anemia commonly results in low MCHC. This condition means your red blood cells are smaller than usual and have a decreased level of hemoglobin. This type of microcytic anemia can be caused by: lack of iron.
What does low mean corpuscular volume ( MCV ) mean?
A low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicates that the size of a person’s red blood cells is below average, and a low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measurement indicates a person’s blood has low hemoglobin levels. If a blood test has low numbers of MCV and MCH, it can signal that a person has anemia.
What does MCHC stand for in red blood cells?
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues within your body. Your MCHC can fall into low, normal, and high ranges, even if your red blood cell count is normal.
What causes low hemoglobin level?
Causes of low levels of hemoglobin levels include poor nutrition, certain diseases affecting the bone marrow, chronic diseases like cancer and kidney disease, blood loss, certain drugs and cancer therapy. Low levels of hemoglobin contribute to a variety of symptoms such as dizziness, lethargy, pale skin, and if severe, result in organ damage.
What does a low hemoglobin measurement mean?
Low hemoglobin means that a person’s hemoglobin level when measured, is below the lowest limits of normal for their age and sex (see above normal range of values). For example, a 19 year old male would have low hemoglobin if the detected blood value was below 13.6 g/dl.
What does if MCV and MCh are low in blood test?
A low MCV and MCH are indicative in most cases of anemia (of the microcytic variety). Even patients who have thalassemia have the possibility of having blood parameters that are on the lower side. If you do observe these values as low on your blood test, consult with your primary care physician.
Why is MCV low?
A low MCV indicates that the red blood cells are small, or microcytic . Possible causes include: 8 Thalassemia (the thalassemias are genetic disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin) A high MCV implies the red blood cells are larger than normal, or macrocytic. Causes of macrocytic anemia include: 9