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 erythrocytes. And it is a characteristic of the activity of hemoglobin production, 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
According to the natural structure, hemoglobin is a representative of a class of proteins with small inclusions of iron. Its main function is to transport oxygen. Hemoglobin also takes part in the binding of carbon dioxide in tissues and its removal from the lungs. In addition, it occupies not the last place in the implementation of the exchangesubstances 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 happens 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 the blood of adults. 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 deviation from the norm can also indicate illness. However, do not forget that this is also possible due to any individual characteristics of the organism. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor.
How the indicator is calculated
Many people wonder what average hemoglobin means. So, this value shows the amount of hemoglobin in one erythrocyte. And it is measured in picograms.
You can get such data by examining blood using an automatic hematology analyzer. This index is similar in purpose to another indicator - color. The amount of hemoglobin, expressed in numbers, is calculated using the values of hemoglobin and RBC number. The calculation is performed using the formula, according to which, in order to find out the average value of hemoglobin, it is necessary to divide hemoglobin by the amounterythrocytes and multiply by 1012/l.
Blood sampling algorithm
Usually, to find out the level of hemoglobin, a complete blood count is performed. When using this method, blood is taken from the capillaries on the finger in a certain sequence:
- Disinfection of the sampling site with an alcohol wipe.
- Puncture with disposable sterile instrument.
- Further, with the help of a special glass tube connected to the pear through a thin hose, blood is collected from the puncture.
- Then the material is distributed into test tubes, which are subsequently sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Carrying out laboratory diagnostics by this method studies the physiological hemoglobin, which was mentioned earlier. Having received the results of the average hemoglobin content, it is compared with the table of norms, taking into account the age and individual characteristics of the patient. Gender and the presence of deviations, if any, are also taken into account.
Rules for donating blood
Carrying out diagnostic measures to identify the level of the average hemoglobin content allows you to find out how much iron-containing protein is contained in the blood during the last quarter. And it doesn't require any special preparation. The main condition is to take blood for research in the early morning on an empty stomach. The last meal should take place 8 hours before the analysis.
However, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the body and, if availabledizziness on an empty stomach, then you need to take something to eat with you immediately after the procedure. It is especially important to pay attention to this moment for pregnant women. For this, chocolate is a great option. In addition, a few days before donating blood, it is better to give up fatty and harmful foods. And also avoid exposing yourself to tiring workouts that involve intense physical activity.
Transcript of results
With the help of the analysis of the level of red blood cells, it is possible to establish the diagnosis - anemia. But since there are several types of them, they are distinguished by the degree of deviation from the norm of the average value:
- With a low average hemoglobin content - hypochromic anemia (the indicator is below 27pg).
- If the norm is exceeded - hyperchromic anemia (the indicator is above 34pg).
- Normochromic anemia with normal values.
The above names for anemia are named after the color blood count used previously to measure the average hemoglobin content in the blood.
Mean hemoglobin values are dependent on the absolute hemoglobin level and the number of erythrocytes. If their number changes upward, then the number of cells that have undergone transformation also increases. If the indicator decreases, the index also tends to decrease.
Anemia caused by iron deficiency can be an example of a decrease in test scores. Thean illness can occur with a lack of iron microelements entering the body or its high costs. As a result, a situation is observed in the erythrocyte when the average hemoglobin content is lowered.
If a person was diagnosed with 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, there may be an increase in cell size, an increase in the content of Hb in it. 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 the excess of the normal size of cells that turn into megalocytes. Thus, disturbances occur in the process of oxygen transfer and small capillary vessels.
Hemoglobin norm
Normal mean values of hemoglobin in red blood cells may differ depending on the age and sex of the patient. It is noticed that in males and females 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 hematopoietic system and the he alth of an unborn baby. At the same time, the sampling of material for researchis made from the umbilical cord using a specially designed needle, controlling the process with an ultrasound machine.
Indicators above the norm
Blood tests may reveal conditions that increase the average hemoglobin content. These pathologies include:
- liver pathology;
- hypothyroidism;
- oncological metastases in the bone marrow;
- taking certain medications, such as birth control, anti-seizure medications, cytotoxic drugs.
Also, an average hemoglobin level can be associated with three types of anemia:
- megaloblastic - the presence in the blood of transformed cells exceeding normal sizes;
- macrocytic - excess of MCV;
- hemolytic - violation of the integrity of the RBC, cell walls, changes in the composition of the protein molecule.
Below the norm
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:
- anemia due to iron deficiency;
- thalassemia;
- some chronic pathologies;
- hemoglobulinopathy;
- impaired reproduction of porphyrins;
- lead poisoning.
Anemia caused by iron deficiency is most common, usually among children and women. According to the statistics of the world organizationhe alth care, almost 2 billion people worldwide are affected by this disease.
The level of hemoglobin in iron deficiency anemia is below normal. This fact does not mean that the iron supplied with food is not enough. This condition may occur due to:
- Impaired absorption of iron in the digestive tract. Often this is due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the elderly.
- Increased consumption of trace elements of iron associated with pregnancy or intense exercise.
- Frequent blood donation as a donor.
As external signs of such a pathology, we can distinguish:
- fainting;
- frequent dizziness;
- increased heart rate;
- shortness of breath on 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 he althy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet and avoid stress. Then you don't have to wonder what the average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte means.
