Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
MCH test
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin. The average amount of hemoglobin packed into each red blood cell; helps classify the type of anemia. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
MCH is the average amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein, inside each of your red blood cells. It can help point to the cause of anemia, a shortage of healthy red blood cells.
Why it matters for women
Low iron, very common in women with heavy periods or during pregnancy, can leave red cells carrying less hemoglobin, so MCH can drop. A high MCH can point to low vitamin B12 or folate, B vitamins that matter a lot before and during pregnancy.
You might check it if…
- your periods are heavy or last a long time
- you’re pregnant, planning to be, or recently gave birth
- you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
- a past test showed anemia or low iron
What your result may mean
High MCH: what it may mean
High MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) may mean each red blood cell is carrying more hemoglobin than average, which can happen when the cells are larger than normal. It can be seen in macrocytic anemias, such as those from low vitamin B12 or folate, and the body’s need for folate can climb during pregnancy. Heavy alcohol use, liver disease or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can also enlarge red cells. A very fatty blood sample or clumped red cells can falsely raise the number. Tiredness, pale skin, or numbness and tingling from low B12 can occur, and some people may feel fine.
Low MCH: what it may mean
Low MCH may mean your red blood cells carry too little hemoglobin, the protein that moves oxygen, so they can look small and pale. It may point to iron deficiency or other microcytic anemias, such as thalassemia, an inherited blood condition. Heavy periods, pregnancy and the months after giving birth can drain iron stores, which can make this pattern more common in women. You may notice tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness or cold hands, or you may not notice anything. Ferritin and MCV can help a clinician work out which reason fits.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.