What Are Some Causes of Higher-Than-Average MCV and MCH Levels?
Higher-than-normal levels of MCV in the blood indicate macrocytic anemia, and higher-than-normal levels of MCH indicate hyperchromic anemia, according to MedlinePlus. MCV and MCH are red blood count indices tested as part of a complete blood count, or CBC test.
Red blood cell indices are tested to help diagnose the cause of anemia, a condition in which the body does not produce sufficient red blood cells, states MedlinePlus. MCV refers to the size of red blood cells, and MCH refers to the amount of hemoglobin within red blood cells. The normal range of results for MCV is generally 80 to 100 femtoliters, while the normal range for MCH is usually 27 to 31 picograms/cell. Normal ranges may vary on a small scale between different laboratories.
Macrocytic and hyperchromic anemia, the types of anemia that result from high MCV and MCH counts, are typically caused by conditions such as chemotherapy, folate deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, indicates MedlinePlus.
Folate and B12 are types of B vitamins, states the National Institutes of Health. Treatment for folate or vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the underlying cause. It most often can be remedied with supplementation by injection or tablet of the vitamin the person is missing, states NHS Choices.
