The average hemoglobin content in the blood is indicated by the abbreviation MCH. This indicator reflects a quantitative indicator of the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells. And it is a characteristic of hemoglobin production activity, and also shows its absolute amount in red blood cells. This indicator is used in the diagnosis of most diseases, including various types of anemia.
The role of hemoglobin in the blood
By its natural structure, hemoglobin is a representative of a class of proteins with small inclusions of iron. Its main function is to transport oxygen. Also, hemoglobin is involved in the binding of carbon dioxide in tissues and its removal from the lungs. In addition, he takes not the last place in the metabolism between blood cells.
Hemoglobin can be divided into 2 types:
- Pathological - this type of protein is formed as a result of the manifestation of defects in its structure. This occurs when combined with carbon monoxide or harmful chemicals.
- Physiological. This form of hemoglobin is divided into several subtypes, one of which is found only in adult blood. And the second, fetal, in children under 2 years old.
Finding out the average hemoglobin content is a very important step in the diagnosis of pathologies. The data obtained can both confirm the presence of the disease and refute it. Any deviations from the norm may indicate illness. However, do not forget that this is also possible due to any individual characteristics of the body. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor.
How to calculate the indicator
Many people wonder what the average hemoglobin content means. So, this value shows the amount of hemoglobin in one red blood cell. And it is measured in picograms.
Such data can be obtained by studying the blood using an automatic hematological analyzer. This index by purpose is similar to another indicator - color. The amount of hemoglobin, expressed in numbers, is calculated using hemoglobin and RBC numbers. The calculation is performed using the formula according to which, to find out the average hemoglobin value, hemoglobin must be divided by the number of red blood cells and multiplied by 10 12 / L.
Blood sampling algorithm
Usually, in order to find out the level of hemoglobin, a general blood test is performed. When using this method, blood sampling is performed from the capillaries on the finger in a certain sequence:
- Disinfection of the fence with an alcohol wipe.
- Puncture with a disposable sterile instrument.
- Then, using a special glass tube connected to a pear by means of a thin hose, blood is collected from a puncture.
- Then the material is distributed in test tubes, which are subsequently sent for research to the laboratory.
Conducting laboratory diagnostics by this method studies the physiological hemoglobin, which was mentioned earlier. Having obtained the results of the average hemoglobin content, compare it with the table of norms, taking into account the age and individual characteristics of the patient. Gender and abnormalities, if any, are also taken into account.
Blood Donation Rules
Carrying out diagnostic measures to identify the average hemoglobin content allows you to find out how much protein contains iron in the blood during the last quarter. And it does not require special preparation. The main condition is to draw blood for examination in the early morning on an empty stomach. The last meal should take place 8 hours before analysis.
However, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the body and, if there is dizziness on an empty stomach, then you need to take something to eat with you right after the procedure. It is especially important to pay attention to pregnant women at this point. A chocolate bar will be a great option for this. In addition, a few days before blood donation, it is better to abandon fatty and harmful foods. And also do not expose yourself to tedious training, implying intense physical activity.
Deciphering the results
By analyzing the level of red blood cells, you can establish a diagnosis of anemia. But since there are several types, according to the degree of deviation from the norm of the average value, they distinguish:
- With a lower average hemoglobin content, hypochromic anemia (the indicator is below the level of 27 pg).
- If the norm is exceeded, hyperchromic anemia (indicator - above 34pg).
- Normochromic anemia with indicators within normal limits.
The aforementioned names of anemia got their names according to the name of the color blood indicator used earlier to estimate the average hemoglobin content in the blood.
The average hemoglobin content depends on the absolute level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. If their number changes upwards, then the number of cells that underwent transformation increases. If the indicator decreases, the index also tends to decrease.
An anemia caused by iron deficiency can be an example of a decrease in test parameters. This ailment can occur with a lack of microelements of iron entering the body or its high costs. As a result, a situation is observed in the red blood cell when the average hemoglobin content is lowered.
If a person was found to have anemia of hyperchromic nature, which appeared as a result of a lack of vitamin B12, then we can talk about an increase in the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In this case, an increase in cell size, an increase in the Hb content in it can be observed. This can lead to an increased average hemoglobin content.
However, despite the presence of a large amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, all signs of anemia appear and develop in the body. This is possible due to exceeding the normal size of cells that turn into megalocytes. Thus, disturbances occur in the process of oxygen transfer and small capillary vessels.
The hemoglobin content
Normal mean hemoglobin levels in red blood cells may vary depending on the age and gender of the patient. It is noted that in representatives of the male and female sexes, these indicators differ, but not significantly. In general, for an adult, the range from 27 to 34 pg in one cell is considered the norm.
In addition, in addition to adults and children, the hemoglobin content in red blood cells can be determined even in the fetus. This procedure is carried out in order to study the hematopoiesis system and the health of an unborn baby. In this case, the sampling of material for the study is made from the umbilical cord using a specially designed needle, controlling the process with an ultrasound machine.
Above Rate
When a blood test can be detected conditions, because of which the average hemoglobin content is increased. These pathologies include:
- liver pathology;
- hypothyroidism;
- oncological metastases in the bone marrow;
- taking certain medications, for example, birth control, anticonvulsants, cytostatic drugs.
Also, the average hemoglobin level can be associated with three types of anemia:
- megaloblastic - the presence in the blood of transformed cells that exceed normal sizes;
- macrocytic - excess of the norm of the MCV indicator;
- hemolytic - violation of the integrity of RBC, cell walls, changes in the composition of the protein molecule.
Performance below normal
A decrease in the average level of hemoglobin in the blood occurs in people of different ages in the presence of hypochromic microcytic anemia. The cause of this condition may be:
- iron deficiency anemia;
- thalassemia;
- some chronic pathologies;
- hemoglobulinopathy;
- violations in the reproduction of porphyrins;
- lead poisoning.
The most common anemia is triggered by a lack of iron, usually among children and women. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, nearly 2 billion people worldwide are affected by this disease.
Hemoglobin levels in iron deficiency anemia are below normal. This fact does not mean that the iron supplied with food is not enough. This condition may occur due to:
- Violations of the absorption of iron in the digestive tract. Often this is due to gastrointestinal diseases, especially in the elderly.
- The increased consumption of trace elements of iron associated with the period of pregnancy or intense stress.
- Frequent donation of blood as a donor.
As external signs of such a pathology, one can distinguish:
- fainting
- frequent dizziness;
- heart rate increase;
- shortness of breath with light exertion.
Tips & Tricks
In the event of such a pathology in the body, the main thing is to diagnose it in time and find out the exact type of anemia. Then you can get rid of the disease within a month without much effort. However, it is better to lead a healthy lifestyle, adhere to a balanced diet and avoid stress. Then you do not have to wonder what the average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte means.