 |
|
Medical Health Tests >>
Ask a question >>
Blood Tests |
What is a MCH blood test?
(April 26, 2011)
|
A blood test is a very important procedure, as it can help a medical expert know a great deal about a person’s overall health. A patient may be asked to undergo a complete blood count test, to determine if there are any disorders or diseases present. During a regular blood test, various components of the blood are examined, which include the red blood cell count, the white blood cell count, the hemoglobin, the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, along with others.
What is an MCH blood test?
A Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin blood test, more commonly referred to as an MCH blood test is an exam that is conducted when medical experts need to know the average weight of hemoglobin within the blood cell. The hemoglobin performs the important function of carrying the oxygen to the blood. A group of amino acids, which contain iron atoms, compose the hemoglobin, also giving it the red color. The normal range of MCH is around 27 to 33 picograms per cell. If the MCH blood test shows a normal range, it means that the person is at a low risk of any health problems. In case the reading is outside of the 27 pg to 33 pg range, then it is necessary to consult a doctor at the earliest. This is because high MCH blood test results mean that a person has too much hemoglobin, which could lead to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the blood, whereas a MCH blood test low result could be an indication that a person suffers from iron deficiency. Hence MCH blood test high and low readings can be a cause for concern.
The MCH blood test procedure
There is no specific preparation that is required before going through an MCH blood test. However, patients may be required to refrain from fatty foods for a few hours before taking the test. During the procedure a sample of blood is obtained from the vein on the arm, which is then sent to a lab for testing. In some cases, a needle, a lancelet or another sharp object is used to pierce the tip of the finger, so that it bleeds. The sample of bleed is then collected in a vial and sent to a lab. The area that was pierced is then cleaned, using a small piece of cotton and some disinfectant. Risks of side effects of the MCH blood test are very low.
|
|
Submitted by N on April 26, 2011 at 01:13
|
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Blood Tests
|
|
| |
|
|
 Today's
Poll | |