.mch-calculator-wrapper {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #333;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.mch-calc-box {
background: #f8f9fa;
border: 1px solid #e9ecef;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
margin-bottom: 40px;
}
.mch-input-group {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.mch-input-group label {
display: block;
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.mch-input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ced4da;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box; /* Important for padding */
}
.mch-input-group .unit-label {
font-size: 0.85em;
color: #6c757d;
margin-top: 4px;
display: block;
}
.mch-btn {
background-color: #0056b3;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 14px 24px;
font-size: 16px;
font-weight: 600;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
width: 100%;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
}
.mch-btn:hover {
background-color: #004494;
}
.mch-result-box {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 6px;
display: none;
text-align: center;
}
.mch-result-value {
font-size: 32px;
font-weight: 700;
color: #2c3e50;
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.mch-result-status {
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 600;
padding: 5px 12px;
border-radius: 20px;
display: inline-block;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.status-low { background-color: #ffebee; color: #c62828; }
.status-normal { background-color: #e8f5e9; color: #2e7d32; }
.status-high { background-color: #fff3e0; color: #ef6c00; }
.mch-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 30px;
border-bottom: 2px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.mch-content ul {
padding-left: 20px;
}
.mch-content li {
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.info-table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
margin: 20px 0;
}
.info-table th, .info-table td {
border: 1px solid #ddd;
padding: 12px;
text-align: left;
}
.info-table th {
background-color: #f2f2f2;
}
function calculateMCH() {
// Get input values
var hbStr = document.getElementById('hb_level').value;
var rbcStr = document.getElementById('rbc_count').value;
// Parse values
var hb = parseFloat(hbStr);
var rbc = parseFloat(rbcStr);
// Container elements
var resultContainer = document.getElementById('mch_result_container');
var valueDisplay = document.getElementById('mch_value_display');
var statusDisplay = document.getElementById('mch_status_display');
var explanationDisplay = document.getElementById('mch_explanation');
// Reset display
resultContainer.style.display = 'none';
// Validation
if (isNaN(hb) || isNaN(rbc) || hb <= 0 || rbc <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for Hemoglobin and RBC count.");
return;
}
// MCH Formula: (Hb * 10) / RBC
// Result is in picograms (pg)
var mch = (hb * 10) / rbc;
var mchFormatted = mch.toFixed(1);
// Determine Status (Standard Reference Range: 27 – 31 pg)
// Note: Ranges vary slightly by laboratory.
var statusText = "";
var statusClass = "";
var explanationText = "";
if (mch = 27 && mch <= 31) { // Extended slightly to 33 sometimes, but 31 is strict standard
statusText = "Normal";
statusClass = "status-normal";
explanationText = "Your MCH value is within the standard reference range (27 – 31 pg). This suggests your red blood cells contain an appropriate amount of hemoglobin.";
} else {
statusText = "High (Hyperchromic)";
statusClass = "status-high";
explanationText = "An MCH value above 31 pg suggests hyperchromia. This is often seen in Macrocytic Anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, or Folate deficiency.";
}
// Update DOM
valueDisplay.innerHTML = mchFormatted + "
";
statusDisplay.innerHTML = statusText;
statusDisplay.className = "mch-result-status " + statusClass;
explanationDisplay.innerHTML = explanationText;
// Show result
resultContainer.style.display = 'block';
resultContainer.style.backgroundColor = (mch >= 27 && mch <= 31) ? '#e8f5e9' : (mch < 27 ? '#ffebee' : '#fff3e0');
}
What is MCH?
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is a measurement derived from a complete blood count (CBC) test. It calculates the average amount of hemoglobin found in a single red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the protein in your blood that carries oxygen to your body's tissues.
MCH differs from MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration). While MCH calculates the average amount of hemoglobin per cell (measured in picograms), MCHC calculates the concentration of hemoglobin related to the size of the cell.
The MCH Calculator Formula
This calculator determines your MCH level based on two standard inputs from a blood test:
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL).
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Measured in millions per microliter (million/μL).
The mathematical formula used is:
MCH = (Hemoglobin × 10) / RBC Count
The result is expressed in picograms (pg).
Calculation Example
If a patient has a Hemoglobin level of 15.0 g/dL and an RBC count of 5.0 million/μL:
- Calculation: (15.0 × 10) / 5.0
- Result: 30 pg (Normal Range)
Understanding MCH Reference Ranges
While reference ranges can vary slightly between different laboratories, the general medical consensus is:
| Level |
Range (pg) |
Medical Term |
| Low |
< 27 pg |
Microcytic / Hypochromic |
| Normal |
27 – 31 pg |
Normocytic |
| High |
> 31 pg |
Macrocytic / Hyperchromic |
Causes of Low MCH (Hypochromia)
A low MCH level means there is less hemoglobin in your red blood cells than normal. This usually makes the cells look paler under a microscope. Common causes include:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: The most common cause, often due to blood loss or poor dietary intake.
- Thalassemia: A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production.
- Chronic Inflammation: Long-term illnesses can disrupt iron usage.
Causes of High MCH (Hyperchromia)
A high MCH level indicates that red blood cells are carrying more hemoglobin than usual, often because the cells themselves are larger (macrocytic). Common causes include:
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Essential for proper red blood cell formation.
- Folate (Folic Acid) Deficiency: Common in dietary issues or pregnancy.
- Liver Disease: Can affect red blood cell structure.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive intake can lead to macrocytosis.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Specifically hypothyroidism.
When to See a Doctor
This calculator is a tool for information purposes only. Abnormal MCH levels can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from simple dietary deficiencies to more complex genetic conditions. If your blood test results show abnormal MCH, consult a healthcare provider for a full diagnosis and treatment plan.