Why if my hemoglobin is 13.6 my MCV and MCH are a little high?

Question

What is MCV and MCH in a CBC blood test high? why if my hemoglobin is high 13.6 those MCV and MCH are high e.g. MCV 102.6 H MCH 35.7 H what's that means?

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

First advice:  Don't consult plastic surgeons for hematologic questions!Having said that, Vitamin deficiencies, most commonly B12 and Folate can be a cause of high MCH/MCV.  These can be caused by dietary deficiency, or poor absorbtion.  Common in gastric bypass patients.  There are many other causes, slow metabolizers of certain enzymes and toxins like alcohol among them.  Seek medical advice to be sure.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons aren't experts in the subtleties blood counts such as MCH and MCV but if the values are only slightly high, there is likely not much to be concerned about.  Lab values are based on averages and it is not uncommon for someone to fall slightly outside of the average.  Even different lab facilities can have slightly different ranges of average.   However, if there is a significant deviation from the average then there should be some concern that you could discuss with your primary care doctor who may even find it necessary to send you to a blood specialist, though given the values you have mentioned, you likely have nothing to worry about.  Your hemoglobin is in a good range to proceed with surgery should you wish to proceed.  Best of luck!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Your hemoglobin of 13.6 is very good and it should not keep you from having the surgery. Having a high MCV could be a sign of vitamin deficiency. I suggest you sit down with your doctor and discuss your medical history in more detail and see what can be done to improve your numbers. You should still be able to have surgery just based on those numbers alone, however, if there's something in your medical history that needs to be considered by your doctor, then you should sit down and discuss soon.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

To get the best guidance on how to interpret and respond to blood work, you should consult with an experienced and expert internist or primary care physician. The results could be significant or it could simply be lab error. The good news is that the scores do not indicate that you are anemic which would be the most important check for patients going for a body contouring procedure.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

The numbers you show should not prevent you from having surgery as your Hb (hemoglobin) seems to be at an acceptable level. For a more detailed analysis of the MCH and MCV be sure to speak with your PCP or a hematologist.Sincerely,Benjamin J. Cousins MD

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

You are not anemic, and that is the most important thing prior to elective surgery.  The other values should be discussed with your primary care physician.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

MCV is mean corpuscular volume, average volume of red blood cells. MCH is mean corpuscular hemoglobin, concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. In your car the results are just slightly higher than high normal ranges. But that is a good thing! You have more RBCs and more hb in each RBC that is needed!!!! But why have you not called your doctor to explain this?

Why if my hemoglobin is 13.6 my MCV and MCH are a little high?

Answers (7)

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