What is mean corpuscular haemoglobin Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪn ˈkɒrpəskyələr ˈhiːməɡloʊbaɪn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of haemoglobin present in a red blood cell. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. MCH is an important parameter in blood tests and is used to diagnose and monitor various conditions, such as anaemia and iron deficiency.

Examples

• The doctor ordered a blood test to check the patient’s mean corpuscular haemoglobin level.
• A normal mean corpuscular haemoglobin level is around 27-31 picograms per cell.

Synonyms

• Haemoglobin level
• Mean corpuscular volume

Antonyms

• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) that is too low
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) that is too high

Additional Information

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is an essential parameter in blood tests, and its measurement can provide valuable information about the body’s haemoglobin production and oxygen delivery. The normal range for MCH is around 27-31 picograms per cell, but this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific test being performed. Low MCH levels can indicate anaemia or iron deficiency, while high MCH levels can indicate conditions such as polycythaemia vera or haemochromatosis. Regular monitoring of MCH levels is crucial for the diagnosis and management of various conditions.

Haemoglobin is an essential protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. The amount of haemoglobin present in each red blood cell varies from person to person, and a mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is used to determine this average value. MCH is particularly important in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as anaemia or iron deficiency, where the body’s haemoglobin production is impaired.

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is measured in picograms per cell (pg/cell) and is calculated as part of a blood test. The results are typically conveyed as a value with a reference range, such as ’35-40 pg/cell’. This value is crucial for healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage various haematological conditions.

Etymology

The term ‘haemoglobin’ comes from the Greek words ‘haema’, meaning blood, and ‘globin’, meaning protein. The term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ was coined in the 1950s to describe the average amount of haemoglobin present in each red blood cell.

Usage Notes

When using the term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’, it’s essential to use the correct terminology. The abbreviation ‘MCH’ is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. When referring to the measurement of MCH in a blood test, use the phrase ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) level’ or ‘MCH value’.

In scientific and academic contexts, use the full term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ or its abbreviation ‘MCH’ to avoid confusion with other related terms.

Cultural References

The term ‘haemoglobin’ has been mentioned in various scientific and medical contexts in popular culture, such as in films like ‘The Sick Rose’ and ‘Blood’. However, the term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ is less frequently used in popular culture.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’.

Related Words or Phrases

Other terms closely related to ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ include:

• Haemoglobin level
• Mean corpuscular volume
• Reticulocyte count
• Red blood cell count

Collocations

The term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ often collocates with other words and phrases such as:

• Blood test
• Haematology
• Anaemia
• Iron deficiency

Frequency of Use

The term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ is used frequently in medical and scientific contexts, particularly in haematology and laboratory medicine. However, it is less commonly used in everyday language.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the term ‘mean corpuscular haemoglobin’ include:

• Mean corpuscular haemaglobin
• Mean corpuscular haemoglobin level
• Mean corpuscular haemoglobin count