Let's decipher the blood test correctly! HGB (blood test): explanation. What does this analysis determine?

An obligatory stage of modern clinical diagnostics is the study of general blood test parameters. The pathological processes occurring in the body are one way or another reflected in the cellular and biochemical composition of this tissue. One of the CBC parameters is erythrocyte indices, which make it possible to record quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of red blood cells. Some of the erythrocyte indices reflect the metabolic state of hemoglobin, a protein that performs a unique function in the human body.

Hemoglobin is a complex protein compound that consists of four peptide molecules and associated iron-containing complexes. These complexes, called hemes, are responsible for the main purpose of hemoglobin in the body - transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction.

In humans, as in all vertebrates, hemoglobin is the main component of erythrocytes, red blood cells. The divalent iron atoms that make up heme are capable of oxidation (addition of oxygen molecules) and reduction (release of O 2).

Oxygen saturation occurs in the smallest pulmonary vesicles - alveoli. Here, due to the high partial pressure, O 2 molecules overcome the thin barrier between the lung tissue and the blood capillaries and attach to the heme iron. Intense saturation is facilitated by the disc-shaped shape of red blood cells with a flattened center: due to it, the contact area between hemoglobin and oxygen significantly increases. As a result, the stable form of hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, is oxidized and converted into oxyhemoglobin.

Together with the bloodstream, oxyhemoglobin penetrates almost all tissues of the body, where it releases the oxygen necessary for the normal functioning of cells. Having shared O2 with tissues, hemoglobin binds cell waste products - carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. A new form of hemoglobin (carboxyhemoglobin) is sent back to the lungs and the metabolic cycle repeats.

In a number of genetic diseases and chemical poisonings, the iron contained in heme is oxidized to degree +3 and loses its ability to transport oxygen. In mild cases of methemoglobinemia, the restoration of the iron atom is achieved by administering ascorbic acid orally; in severe cases, transfusion of red blood cells to the patient has a good effect.

Normal hemoglobin content in blood

The normal hemoglobin content per liter of blood is:

• 130-160 g/l for men
• 120-150 g/l for women

In children, the maximum level of hemoglobin per unit volume of blood is observed during the first three days of life (145-225 g/l), by 4-6 months it decreases to a minimum (95-135 g/l), then slowly increases and by 18 years is within the normal range of an adult.

In clinical practice, the following indicators of erythrocyte indices are considered more informative:

1. MCH is the absolute content of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte. The normal value for this parameter in adults is 27-35 * 10 -12 grams (picograms). MCH varies depending on age: the peak occurs at the time of birth, and from the first months of life it fluctuates slightly.

1. MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin per unit volume of red blood cells. This is the most reliable of the erythrocyte indices. The average MCHC value for a healthy adult is 310-360 g/l. With age, the level of MCHC changes in inverse proportion to MCH: the minimum is observed in the first day of life, but by four months it reaches a level at which it will remain throughout life. At the stage of growing up, this MCHC indicator in women and men is slightly different, but this difference is so small that it can be neglected.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the CBC often demonstrates a false decrease in hemoglobin levels. In reality, the amount of hemoglobin in the mother’s blood remains the same, but its concentration decreases due to an increase in the volume of the liquid fraction of the blood. However, in the second trimester, the fetus absorbs a significant amount of dietary iron. During this period, monitoring the hemoglobin content in the blood of pregnant women is especially important for the health of the mother and fetus.

The MCH and MCHC indicators are considered inextricably linked with each other and other results of the study of red blood cells: hematocrit (the ratio of red blood cell volumes to blood plasma), MCV (average erythrocyte volume), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and others.

Increasing hemoglobin levels in the blood

An increase in MCH usually occurs with increased hemoglobin synthesis in the red bone marrow and is typical for the following diseases and conditions:

• chronic blood loss due to hemorrhoids, diseases of the digestive system and heavy menstruation in women
• hyperchromic anemia, in which a slight change in hemoglobin level is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells
• megaloblastic anemia (macrocytosis), developing in response to a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B in the body. In this disease, macrocells megaloblasts, immature precursors of red blood cells, circulate in the bloodstream.
• hypothyroidism
• liver disease
• oncological diseases complicated by metastases

Increases in MCH levels may also occur in response to radiation treatments, anticonvulsant therapy, and oral contraceptives.

Increased MCHC is uncommon and difficult to diagnose. This phenomenon usually accompanies hyperchromic anemia and disturbances in the exchange of tissue electrolytes, leading to dehydration of the body. Even less common is spherocytosis - usually a hereditary defect in the cell membrane of red blood cells, as a result of which the cells acquire a spherical shape and are destroyed prematurely.

If the CBC reveals an MCHC level above 380 g/L, it is safe to say that an error occurred during the study. This is due to the physicochemical properties of protein and red blood cells: 380 g/l is the maximum concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell; if it is exceeded, hemoglobin will precipitate.

Decreased hemoglobin levels in the blood

A decrease in MCH and MCHC levels are usually combined and indicate the following disorders and diseases:

1. A wide range of hypochromic (accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin levels) anemia:

• iron deficiency, associated with a lack of iron in the body
• sideroachristic, in which the process of iron absorption in the intestine is disrupted
• iron redistribution, which develops with increased breakdown of red blood cells
• hypochromic anemia of mixed origin

1. Thalassemia (hereditary disorder of the synthesis of hemoglobin polypeptide chains) and other hemoglobinopathies

1. Sideroblastic anemia is a group of diseases accompanied by disorders of erythropoiesis and iron metabolism

1. Acute blood loss

1. Chronic lead intoxication

1. Hyperthyroidism

1. Electrolyte imbalance

1. Chronic inflammatory diseases (more often kidney diseases) associated with impaired iron metabolism
   

In some cases, a decrease in hemoglobin levels is also observed in macrocytic anemia, when the increase in cell size does not correspond to their filling with iron-containing protein.

Diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities

The determination of erythrocyte indices is carried out during an extended blood test. The methods of these studies have been known for a long time, but required highly qualified laboratory assistants and the use of additional reagents. Today, automatic hemoanalyzers are widely used in clinical practice, which are capable of counting the number of blood cells and conducting their qualitative analysis. The sample for the study is a regular blood smear taken from a finger or vein.

Since conditions associated with a violation of the amount of hemoglobin in the blood are secondary, doctors direct their efforts to the treatment of primary diseases. Depending on the causes of anemia of various origins, patients are prescribed iron supplements, vitamins, and a diet with a high content of fresh juices, red meat and fish. Severe forms of blood diseases can be treated with infusion therapy, the use of specific drugs and procedures. Symptoms of hemoglobin metabolism disorders are relieved with correctly chosen tactics for treating pathologies of the thyroid gland, liver and kidney diseases, and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that lead to the development of anemia.

Conclusion

The MCH and MCHC parameters react sensitively to any changes in the body and can signal not only the development of pathologies of the hematopoietic system. Any disease that indirectly affects the metabolism of substances necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin is immediately reflected in the erythrocyte indices. Deviations of these numbers from the norm allow us to assess the clinical situation before the development of a clear picture of the disease and take action to prevent it.

Diagnosis of many diseases necessarily involves taking a test. This event helps doctors obtain the most important information that describes the physiological state of the body and indicates deviations from the norm in some processes.

The development of medicine significantly expands the boundaries of the diagnostic data obtained. In addition to a set of standard indicators, a blood test helps to obtain units of content of some of the smaller structural elements included in the red cells. An example of this is erythrocyte indices, which include quite a few components. The most important of them is the indicator for the average hemoglobin content. This index is quite interesting for a more detailed consideration and it would not hurt to learn more about it.

Average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell - what is it?

Hemoglobin is a blood coloring substance that is part of red blood cells and performs very important functions

It is a vehicle in the body as it transports oxygen molecules from the organs of the respiratory system to every tissue of the human body. According to scientific research, 1 gram of hemoglobin on average carries 1.34 milliliters of oxygen.The average hemoglobin content in the blood shows its mass fraction in the red blood cell.

This indicator is measured in picograms (1 picogram = 1*10-12 grams).

The formula for calculating hemoglobin content is as follows:DES = Hemoglobin (gram/liter) / number of red blood cells * 10-12

The level of hemoglobin filling of red blood cells can indicate many abnormalities in the functioning of the human body. This indicator decreases as one gets older and does not depend much on the gender of the person. As a rule, at the moment of birth, the average hemoglobin content is of greatest importance. Therefore, depending on the age of a person, and not other factors, there are some norms for dry eye conditions.

Diagnostics: preparation and analysis procedure

Like any other, a test to determine blood levels can be prescribed for various reasons. In order to obtain reliable results, it is necessary to follow some preparation measures. The mean erythrocyte hemoglobin content (MHC) is determined by collection and subsequent laboratory testing.

Blood can be taken either from a vein or from a finger. In this case, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the direction of the analysis.

Preparation for taking a blood sample to determine the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells includes the following activities:

• The test is taken on an empty stomach, preferably between 8-11 a.m.
• before the event, it is necessary to exclude prolonged physical activity on the human body
• In the 2 days closest to the analysis, it is advisable to refrain from long walks in the fresh air
• In addition, it would be a good idea to give up alcohol (24 hours before) and smoking (2-3 hours)

Important! Only by following the recommendations presented above can you obtain indicators of the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell that are as close to the truth as possible.

The process of taking blood is standard and does not represent anything special. A standard sample is taken (20-30 ml), which is sent for laboratory testing.

Normal by age

Of course, the doctor himself will be able to analyze the results of the analysis and make the correct verdict. It would be a good idea for yourself to know the norms for the average hemoglobin value at your age. As noted earlier, gender does not particularly affect this indicator, but there are still differences, albeit quite insignificant.

The average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell or MCHC for women is (in grams/liter):

• 0-14 days – 280-350;
• 14-30 days – 280-360;
• 30-60 days – 280-350;
• 2-4 months – 290-370;
• 4-12 months – 320-370;
• 1-3 years – 320-380;
• 3-12 years – 320-370;
• 12-65 years – 320-360;
• 65-100 – 300-360.

The average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell or MCHC for men is (in grams/liter):

• 0-14 days – 280-350;
• 14-30 days – 280-360;
• 30-60 days – 290-350;
• 2-4 months – 290-370;
• 4-12 months – 320-370;
• 1-3 years – 320-380;
• 3-12 years – 320-370;
• 12-15 years – 320-370;
• 12-65 years old – 320-370;
• 65-100 – 300-360.

In the pictograms, the average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte or MCH for men and women is as follows:

• 0-14 days – 30-37;
• 14-30 days – 29-36;
• 30-60 days – 27-34;
• 2-4 months – 25-32;
• 4-12 months – 24-30;
• 1-3 years – 22-30;
• 3-12 years – 24-30;
• 12-15 years – 25-32;
• 12-65 years old – 27-34;
• 65-100 – 27-35.

Important! In addition to considering the indicator in the form of “grams/liter”, it is also provided in pictograms, less often replaced by “grams/deciliter”. In both cases, the norms indicated above in “grams/liter” must be divided by 10-12.

The levels between the female and male sexes are extremely insignificant, but it is worth taking into account some physiological characteristics of the sexes.

For example, taking a hemoglobin test during menstruation in women is caused by a decrease in average norms and is not considered dangerous. Also, prolonged physical activity or walks in the air can increase blood levels, so all this is important to take into account.

Reasons for rejection

A decrease in hemoglobin content in red blood cells affects the process of oxygen transfer throughout the body, which causes a slowdown in some vital processes.

The increase, in turn, also adversely affects human health, so it is very important to know the reasons for deviations in indicators and eliminate them.

– decrease in hemoglobin content in the blood. It can be caused by a huge number of reasons, the main ones are the following:

• recent surgery
• blood donation events or recent transfusion
• excessive blood loss
• vitamin B12 deficiency
• long term smoking
• polycythemia
• use of doping and various stimulants through the blood
• excessive dehydration
• place of residence located at high altitude
• excess vitamin B12

Important! Only a doctor can clearly determine what is causing the deviation and prescribe the correct treatment.

By taking tests in a timely manner, including the level of hemoglobin in the blood, many diseases can be diagnosed and treated without any problems. Therefore, you should not neglect these measures, because health is one thing and you cannot “lose” it under any circumstances.

Today we will talk about such an important blood test as an analysis of red blood cells, or rather the hemoglobin content in them. This indicator is called the average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte. What is important is that it is concentration. In our case, we do not operate with the concept of “the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells,” which is measured in picograms (10-12 grams), but with the concept of “concentration,” which is measured in g/l. We hope that after reading the article you will receive answers to questions about what erythrocyte indices are in general (for example, mch in a blood test), what are the reasons for their increase or decrease, and how to learn how to independently analyze the obtained analysis results.

Red blood cell indices

Before discussing the results of the analysis, it is necessary to understand the terminology and have a good understanding of the processes being studied in our blood.

Blood consists of two phases: liquid plasma and denser cells, which we usually call red and white blood cells, and from a more scientific side - erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes. In a good case, the concentration, composition and shape of blood cells should be the same. Deviation from this entails diseases of varying severity.

Red blood cell indices are blood tests aimed at examining various types of red blood cells. For example, measuring the content or concentration of hemoglobin in it. The average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte is designated as MCH, the calculation is made per one erythrocyte cell. The average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte msns mchc is a sensitive parameter, by which one can often even observe the experimental error. The abbreviation "Hb" replaces hemoglobin in blood tests. Consequently, the records of the average hb content in the erythrocyte and MCH are identical.

Red blood cell indices are an important indicator by which you can track the appearance or development of various types of anemia, identify deviations in the number of red blood cells and the excessive rate of their destruction. Red blood cells and hemoglobin are responsible for delivering oxygen to our cells, tissues and organs. Therefore, it is very important to normalize their condition.

What is MCH in blood test?

In blood tests, MCH in the blood is calculated in picograms of hemoglobin per average red blood cell.

Many people compare this analysis with a color indicator. This is clear, because these two parameters measure essentially the same thing, just in different units of measurement, which are easy to convert to the same scale for comparison.

Usually, if in honey. The institution has an analyzer for MCH, they use it. But the color indicator is in no way inferior to it.

Calculation of MCH in the blood is carried out as follows: the average concentration of hb in the erythrocyte is divided by their number.

In order to decipher the MCH blood test, you need to know its norm. On average, it occupies a space between 24 and 34 picograms. At the moment of birth, its permissible value is maximum, and with growth it decreases. This indicator is not sensitive to gender and is the same for men and women. Here are some MCH standards, depending on age and calculated in picograms:

• < 14 дней – 30-37
• 14-30 days – 29-36
• up to two months – 27-34
• from two to four months – 25-32
• from four months to a year – 24-30
• from one to three years – 22-30
• from 3 years to 15 – 25-32
• from 15 to 18 years old – 26-34
• from 18 onwards – 27-35

If MCH in a blood test is low, you should pay attention to the functioning of hemoglobin. It may become difficult when:

• anemia;
• lack of vitamin B6;
• lead intoxication for a long time;
• chronic inflammation.

Average hemoglobin content in MCHC red blood cell in blood test

According to this indicator, as mentioned earlier, one judges how tightly hemoglobin fills red blood cells.

Knowing the norm for the average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell, you can look at the analysis and draw some conclusions.

MCHC analysis rate (in g/l) for women depending on age:

• < 14 дней – 280-350
• 14-30 days – 280-360
• up to two months – 280-350
• from one to three years – 320-380
• from 12 to 65 years – 320-360

Sometimes the analysis results are also given in g/dL (grams per deciliter). In this case, the above standards should be divided by 10.

MCHC analysis rate (in g/l) for men depending on age:

• < 14 дней – 280-350
• 14-30 days – 280-360
• up to two months – 280-350
• from two to four months – 290-370
• from four months to a year – 320-370
• from one to three years – 320-380
• from three years to twelve – 320-370
• from 12 to 15 years – 320-370
• from 15 to 65 years – 320-360

As far as we can observe, the difference between the performance of men and women is completely insignificant. However, due to the physiological characteristics of women, the following should be taken into account: the average hb concentration in erythrocytes responds to blood loss, and if the test was taken during heavy menstruation, the result will be underestimated. Let's move on from the MCHC norm to consider the reasons that cause its deviation.

Increased hemoglobin content in red blood cells

If the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell is noticeably increased, one can almost confidently conclude that the experiment was an error.

The fact is that per liter of red blood cells the maximum concentration of hemoglobin is 380 g/l. This is explained by the solubility of hemoglobin in water and the physicochemical properties of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In general, without going into details, we can say that if the average hemoglobin concentration in an MCHC erythrocyte is greatly increased, most likely the experiment was carried out incorrectly.

And in general, an increased concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell is a rather rare phenomenon. Although it can be observed with disturbances of electrolytic metabolism or hyperchromic anemia.

Of much greater interest for both the doctor and the patient is the reduced hemoglobin content in the red blood cell per 1 liter.

Reasons why the average hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells is reduced

Most often this indicates anemia. Anemia (anemia) can be either a separate disease or part of a chronic disease. It is most often caused by an improper, unbalanced diet, due to which a person does not receive all the necessary vitamins and microelements, namely iron and folic acid. Anemia can also be caused by long-term use of certain medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.).

So, if in a blood test the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell is reduced, it is worth checking for the following diseases:

• anemia caused by iron deficiency;
• thalassemia (target cell anemia) - caused by a decrease in the synthesis of polypeptide chains that make up the structure of correct hemoglobin A;
• hyperosmolar disruptions of water-electrolyte metabolism;
• sideroblastic anemia is a rare disease accompanied by a severe course;
• macrocytic anemia is a hereditary disease that can be characterized as the rapid breakdown of red blood cells and their inadequate formation;
• hemoglobinopathy is a failure of hemoglobin production.

In order to prevent the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell from being reduced, it is necessary to eat properly: the table should be varied and be sure to include meat and fish in the diet. Taking vitamin complexes during the season will also not harm the health of the body.

Remember that treatment of the disease can be prevented if proper prevention is carried out in time.

Write in the comments what we may have missed in this article. Your review may help someone reading this.

Stay healthy and get your blood tested regularly!

Erythrocytes are red blood cells that contain hemoglobin. It is he who is responsible for the transfer of oxygen to all organs and tissues of the body, for maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood and for its corresponding red color.

Blood testing provides an invaluable service to the doctor in making a diagnosis or confirming the health of the person being examined. A complete blood count (CBC) is the basis for diagnosis and examination; it includes several indicators related to red blood cells.

So, it is important what is the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell, what is their number and concentration. For each of the indicators, there is a disease characterized by a number of deviations. For example, it occurs with a wide range of blood cell volumes.

Along with their quantity, their shape and size are of great importance. These parameters fit into the average volume of a red blood cell. Let's talk today about why it is important to analyze the quality and quantity of red blood cells and what these indicators can mean for a doctor.

Mean red blood cell volume MCV

From English - Mean Corpuscular Volume. It is measured in microns 3 (1 micrometer = 10^-6 meters) or femtoliters (fm). For a healthy body, MCV should be 80-100 fm. Children under 5 years old have this indicator slightly higher than adults - up to 126 fm.

Men have slightly smaller red blood cells than women. So, their upper limit of permissible volume is 94 fm, for women it reaches 99. On average, the norm can be taken as 80-100.

Of course, all red blood cells cannot have the same shape and size. For this analysis, only the majority of cells or the average distribution of these values ​​relative to the total number are taken into account.

Thus, red blood cells are divided by volume into three groups:

1. Microcytes – volume less than 80 fm.
2. Normocytes – corresponding to the above norm of 80-100.
3. Macrocytes - the volume of these cells exceeds 100 femtoliters.

The average volume of red blood cells is increased: what does this mean?

It can be assumed that in this case there is a high content of macrocytes in the blood - cells that are large in size. This condition can occur when:

• Macrocytic, hemolytic, megaloblastic anemia;
• Liver diseases;
• Genetic abnormalities;
• Myelodysplastic syndrome.

Sometimes, as a result of kidney disease, the water-electrolyte environment of the blood is disrupted, which causes an increase in the average volume of red blood cells in the blood.

But even if the MCV value does not exceed the norm, anemia may occur after:

• Acute poisoning;
• Bleeding.

When the average volume of red blood cells is increased, the blood usually takes on an unnaturally bright scarlet color.

In addition to diseases, an increase in MCV can manifest itself:

• When smoking;
• During or after taking medications that affect hormone levels in middle-aged women;
• With increased alcohol consumption. The detrimental effect on MCV ceases only 3 months after stopping alcohol intake;
• With a deficiency of B vitamins (in particular B12) and folic acid.

What does it mean that the average volume of red blood cells is reduced?

This means that red blood cells are depleted of hemoglobin. This may be due to the lower amount of hemoglobin produced by the body than normal.

The average volume of erythrocytes is reduced as a result of an imbalance of water-electrolytes, which can be observed with a general lack of water environment or, more simply, dehydration. Either water enters the body in insufficient quantities or hypotonic fluid is lost.

The average volume of red blood cells in the blood is reduced if:

• There is microcytic, hemolytic anemia;
• Blood cells are depleted of iron;
• There is thalassemia, a genetically transmitted disease in which the production of hemoglobin is hampered.

Average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte

This parameter is designated as MCHC and expresses how full the red blood cells are with hemoglobin. MCHC characterizes the density of filling a red blood cell cell with hemoglobin.

Calculated as follows:

MCHC = Amount of hemoglobin * 100/Hematocrit. Hematocrit is the ratio of plasma volume to red blood cell volume. It is usually directly proportional to the total volume of red blood cells and is measured in g/dL, just like the amount of hemoglobin in general.

The MCHC norm varies depending on gender and age, but in general it can be said that for men it is 324-366 g/l, and for women 323-356 g/l. In childhood, the minimum limit for the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes is reduced. So, for example, for a child up to 1 month old, MCHC = 280-260 g/l. All normal indicators should be checked with a doctor, especially for children, when literally every month the body works in a new way.

If the mean concentration of HB in MCHC red blood cells is increased, there is a possibility of an imbalance in the blood and the presence of hyperchromic anemia.

In general, even if the average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell is increased, it cannot exceed 380 g/l. This phenomenon can be explained from a chemical point of view: hemoglobin does not dissolve in water infinitely, but upon reaching a certain density threshold it begins to crystallize, which can lead to hemolysis of red blood cells.

So an overestimated analysis result may be an experimental error or an inaccurate calculation.

If the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells is reduced, the reasons should be sought in hypochromic anemia. But this is not the only disease that can affect blood tests. In addition, the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell is reduced if the patient has the following abnormalities:

• Anemia caused by lack of iron;
• Disorders of blood balance and metabolism;
• Deviations in hemoglobin synthesis;
• Macrocytic, sideroblastic anemia;
• Hemoglobinopathy.

As can be seen, the average concentration of hb in the erythrocyte is reduced in various forms of anemia and disorders of the blood composition.

Average hemoglobin content in erythrocyte MCH

With the development of medical technologies, the boundaries of medical research have expanded; in addition to the basic parameters, narrower units have appeared that help doctors more easily describe the physiological health of the body.

One such unit is the red blood cell index. For example, the abbreviation MCH (literally stands for in English) in the conclusion of a blood test is translated as the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell.

The indicator is calculated using the formula: MCH = Hb (hemoglobin) / RBC (red blood cell count) * 10 -12. This indicator is measured in picograms, which is one trillionth of a gram or 10 -12 g.

Few people know that the MCH indicator in the blood is identical to the CP or color indicator. these two values ​​are completely similar and show the same thing, the only difference is in the units of measurement.

So, a normal MSI is considered to be between 24 and 34 pg, but the values ​​may vary by age:

• newborns up to 2 weeks - 30-37 pg;
• 2 weeks - 1 month - 29-36 pg;
• 1-2 months - 27-34 pg;
• 2-4 months - 25-32 pg;
• 4-6 months - 24-30 pg;
• 6-9 months - 25-30 pg;
• 9-1 year - 24-30 pg;
• 1-3 years - 22-30 pg;
• 3-6 years - 25-31 pg;
• 6-9 years - 25-31 pg;
• 9-15 years - 26-32 pg;
• 15-18 years - 26-34 pg;
• 18-65 years old - 27-34 pg;
• over 65 years - 27-35 pg.

These data show that in young children the indicator may be more unstable, while in adults the coefficient may differ by 1-2 units, based on the patient’s age. Gender does not affect the level of msn.

There are some factors that cause deviation from the norm of this indicator.

• megaloblastic and hyperchromic anemia;
• hypoplastic anemia as a result of large blood loss;
• oncological foci;
• liver dysfunction;
• hypothyroidism;
• deficiency or inability to absorb vitamin B12;
• long-term use of hormonal drugs, antitumor and anticonvulsant drugs.

If the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell is reduced, there is reason to assume:

• lead poisoning or intoxication;
• congenital hemoglobinopathy;
• disruption of porphyrin synthesis;
• thalassemia;
• lack of vitamin

Regardless, the average hb content in an erythrocyte is increased or decreased; both conditions are pathological and may indicate problems in hemoglobin synthesis.

Blood is literally the medium of our body. The acid-base level and its enrichment with oxygen play a very important role not only for health, but also for the well-being and appearance of a person.

That is why it is very important to regularly donate blood for a general analysis, where, among other things, it will be checked for MCH, MCHC, MCV.

If you have questions or additions to the topic of this article, leave comments below!

ICSU – this is the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. The MSHC results are an indicator of the saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin, which makes it possible to modernly identify health problems, conduct additional diagnostics and begin adequate treatment. Today, there are several indicators that allow you to identify the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

By the way, do you know what to do if?

MSN– This is the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell.

The average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte is used to determine and diagnose the presence of iron deficiency anemia in humans. With a low MCHC, there is a possibility of hypochromic iron deficiency anemia, and with an increased one, there is a possibility of hyperchromic anemia.

How to determine MCHC?

For these purposes it is necessary to take a general blood test , which allows you to conduct all the necessary research and help in determining the active or chronic stages of diseases. Also, using the OAC, you can determine the presence of diseases of the blood and other organs.

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein or finger. Before taking the test, it is not recommended to eat food, alcohol, or sweet drinks.

The average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes indicates the degree of saturation of erythrocytes with hemoglobin. It helps in controlling the resulting treatment. The MCH indicator shows the specificity of hemoglobin formation.

Average MSHC indicators that are typical for children:

• Children from 4 months to 4 years 280-380 g/l
• Children from 5 to 7 years old 322-368 g/l
• Children from 8 to 14 years old 322-368 g/l

Adults:

• for males: 323 - 365 g/l;
• for women: 322 – 355 g/l.

It should be borne in mind that no special factors affect the indicators of the MSHC.

What can characterize increased or decreased MSHC indicators?

1. Reduced MSHC may be an indicator of the presence of chronic posthemorrhagic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathy, and thalassemia.
2. Elevated MSNA indicate possible folate deficiency anemia, congenital spherocytosis, B-12 deficiency anemia, as well as other types of spherocytic anemia.

Anemia: features of the disease and causes of occurrence

Anemia – a disease that has unfortunately become more common in people lately. The second name for this disease is anemia .

This disease is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood, which causes hypoxia. Anemia can also occur with bleeding, increased blood destruction, impaired blood formation, pernicious or hypoplastic anemia.

In order to diagnose anemia, one test to determine the level of hemoglobin is not enough; a number of other tests are also necessary:

• color index;
• average erythrocyte volume;
• indicator of distribution of red blood cells by volume;
• average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes (MSH);
• differential diagnosis of anemia;
• mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).

It should be noted that if hemoglobin concentrations decrease, this indicates absolute hypochromia of erythrocytes.

It is not necessary to talk about the presence of disorders or health problems based solely on one analysis - MSHC, since blood cells are often examined according to 24 parameters. It is these parameters that allow us to fully paint a picture of what is happening in the body and detect possible violations.

This indicator is included in the list of erythrocyte indices RDW, MCV, MCH. MCHC examinations show whether red blood cells are fully saturated with hemoglobin. And the main indicator is not the amount of protein, but the density with which it fills the red blood cells.

How is ICSU determined?

MCHC is one of the most constant hematological coefficients and that is why it is often used to determine the presence of errors in the analyzes performed.