Hi all:

I have a question about some bloodwork I got done and was wondering if you all could give me some advice:

Feb.2007:
RBC: 4.20 (3.70-5.40)
Hemoglobin: 14.4 (11.5-16.0)
Hematocrit: 40.8 (35.0-48.0)
MCV: 97 (78-100)
MCH: 34.3 (27.0-34.0) HIGH
MCHC: 35.3 (31.0-37.0)
RDW: 14.4 (11.5-14.5)
Platelet: 283 (130-450)
Eosinophils: 8 (0-7) HIGH

So, there were only 2 of them high and not by much (the rest of the values I just gave you as a bit of a background).

March 2007
Eosinophils back down to zero.
MCV: 101 (78-100) HIGH
MCH: 35.4 (27.0-35.4) Higher from last month
Hemoglobin: 15.0 (11.5-16.0)
Hematocrit: 42.8 (35.0-48.0)
RBC: 4.24 (3.70-5.40)

Are the high MCV and MCH anything to worry about? My doctor said not at all since my hemoglobin is fine.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

schao

Your results are nothing to be concerned about. Your doctor is correct.

I also had a high MCV and MCH not too long ago and did a little research and found that it could be due to a vitamin B defiency or a folic acid deficiency.

Hi,

Thank you both for your replies. Well, I get my blood work done monthly, and the MCV and MCH rose minutely again, but everything else was very good:

MCV: 102 (78-100)
MCH: 35.5 (27.0-34.0)

Rosequartz: You mentioned it could be a vitamin B or folic acid deficiency--I take a multivitamin and a B-Complex vitamin everyday, so I wouldn't think it would be that, but who knows.

Is there any other reasons these 2 items would be slightly elevated for a few months in a row?

Thanks again for your help,
schao

Have you had your B12 levels checked? Rosequartz is correct in saying a low B12 level could cause elevated MCV and MCH. Even if you are taking a B vitamin you could still have a low B12 level - it is difficult to raise B12 levels when taken them in capsule form - the ones under the tongue work better but if you are deficient you may need injections. It is a simple bloodtest - I would ask for this to be included in my next round of blood work. All the best.:wave:

Hi,

Thank you both for your replies. Well, I get my blood work done monthly, and the MCV and MCH rose minutely again, but everything else was very good:

MCV: 102 (78-100)
MCH: 35.5 (27.0-34.0)

Rosequartz: You mentioned it could be a vitamin B or folic acid deficiency--I take a multivitamin and a B-Complex vitamin everyday, so I wouldn't think it would be that, but who knows.

Is there any other reasons these 2 items would be slightly elevated for a few months in a row?

You may want to get them to check for your Ferritin level(this is iron store) and also your thyroid(TSH) levels. I go to a hematologist who keeps track of my ferritin level and I have been having simuliar lab results as you. He has not indicated a need for B-12 or folate levels, I am just assuming if there was a need he would do those test since he is a hematologist. You may want to hop over to the anemia board and thyroid. Are you having any symptoms?

Thanks again for your help,
schao

do you smoke?
smoking depletes folic acid

Hi Rosequartz,

Thanks for your reply. No, I don't smoke. I don't know what is causing the levels to rise--I take a multi-vitamin, b-comlex, and do B-12 shots (I forgot about those). So, we'll see next month what the blood work shows.

Take Care,
schao

Are your levels elevated as well?