Sep
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measurement that assesses the amount of hemoglobin within a red blood cell relative to its volume. Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
An MCHC blood test is used to measure the hemoglobin levels and can provide valuable information about various medical conditions. Abnormally low or high MCHC levels may indicate the presence of certain health conditions.
In particular, MCHC is a commonly used measurement in the diagnosis of anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells. Anemia can lead to symptoms such as tiredness or weakness.
By measuring MCHC, healthcare providers can gain insights into the presence of anemia or other related conditions and further guide diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Your Results
MCHC is one of the measurements obtained during a complete blood count (CBC), which is a common blood test. Your healthcare provider may order a CBC to help diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions. The CBC is sometimes referred to as a full blood count.
After the CBC test is performed, you and your provider will review the results, which will include the MCHC measurement.
The normal range for MCHC is typically between 32 to 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 320 to 360 grams per liter (g/L). However, it is important to note that different laboratories may use slightly different measurements or reference ranges. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the specific normal range applicable to you.
An MCHC level that falls below or exceeds the normal range can occur due to various factors and underlying conditions. Further discussion with your healthcare provider will help identify the specific reasons for the abnormal MCHC levels and guide appropriate treatment or management.
Causes of Low MCHC
Low MCHC measurements can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, which occurs when there is insufficient iron in the body to produce healthy red blood cells. Iron is a vital component in the production of red blood cells, and a lack of it can affect the quality and quantity of these cells, resulting in decreased MCHC levels.
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it can develop due to different reasons, such as trouble absorbing iron, kidney disease, or chronic inflammation. Certain genetic conditions can also contribute to the development of anemia.
Moreover, low MCHC can also be a sign of thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder in which the body is unable to make sufficient hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood, and insufficient levels can result in anemia.
If you are experiencing low MCHC levels or anemia-like symptoms, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and determine appropriate treatment or management.
Causes of High MCHC
On the other hand, depending on the type of anemia, high MCHC levels may be detected. Hemolytic anemia can be associated with elevated MCHC levels, indicating higher-than-normal hemoglobin values within the red blood cells. This type of anemia occurs when the red blood cells break down abnormally fast, resulting in insufficient red blood cells in the body.
Hemolytic anemia can be caused by several factors, such as autoimmune conditions, infections, sickle cell disease, and complications from blood transfusions.
Moreover, high MCHC levels may also be associated with a rare genetic disorder called hereditary spherocytosis, which causes the formation of abnormal red blood cells in the body.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if your MCHC levels are high or if you experience symptoms that suggest anemia or hemolytic anemia, so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be implemented.
What to Expect When Taking an MCHC Blood Test
An MCHC blood test is a routine part of a complete blood count (CBC). No special preparation is needed before a CBC, but if your healthcare provider has ordered other tests in addition to a CBC, you may need to fast for several hours before that test. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
- How the Test is Performed
The MCHC blood test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare provider will use a small needle to collect a small amount of blood, which is then placed in a vial. You may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted or removed. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
- What to Expect After the Test
After the test, you may experience bruising or mild pain at the site where the needle was inserted. You might also feel dizzy for a brief period of time. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few hours.
- If You Have Any Questions
If you have any questions about the MCHC blood test, please talk to your healthcare provider. They can answer any questions you have and help you understand the results of your test.
Here are some additional tips to help you prepare for your MCHC blood test:
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
- Bring a light snack and drink with you in case you need to fast before the test.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies or concerns about the test.
Related Blood Tests
A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that measures the number and size of your red blood cells, as well as other components of your blood. The red blood cell indices are a group of measurements that are used to assess the size, shape, and quality of your red blood cells.
The three main red blood cell indices are:
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): This measures the average size of your red blood cells.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): This measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW): This measures the differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin: Is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, the size and shape of red blood cells are important for their ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Abnormalities in the red blood cell indices can be a sign of anemia, a condition in which there are too few red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic diseases.
The red blood cell indices can also be used to monitor the progression of anemia and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Besides MCHC, other red blood cell indices are:1
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): Measures of the average size of your red blood cells
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): Measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell
- Red cell distribution width (RDW): Measures differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells
Here are some examples of how the red blood cell indices can be used to diagnose anemia:
- Low MCV: This suggests microcytic anemia, which is a type of anemia in which the red blood cells are smaller than normal. Microcytic anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, thalassemia, and chronic disease.
- Low MCH: This suggests hypochromic anemia, which is a type of anemia in which the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Hypochromic anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, thalassemia, and chronic disease.
- High RDW: This suggests anisocytosis, which is a condition in which there is a wide variation in the size and shape of red blood cells. Anisocytosis can be caused by iron deficiency, thalassemia, and chronic disease.
Next Steps
If your MCHC is above or below the normal range, your healthcare provider will likely talk to you about potential causes and, if needed, treatment plans to address the cause. The treatment plan will depend on what condition is behind the abnormal MCHC readings.
Anemia is usually what’s associated with abnormal MCHC levels. If a healthcare provider determines that anemia is the cause of your low or high MCHC levels, they will want to figure out what is causing the anemia and treat that cause. Treatments for anemia and the conditions that cause it may include:
- Medication to increase the production of red blood cells or to help the body use iron more efficiently.
- Dietary supplements to increase your intake of iron, vitamin B12, or folate.
- Blood transfusion to provide your body with more red blood cells.
- Blood or bone marrow transplant in severe cases.
Other conditions that can cause abnormal MCHC levels include:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Thalassemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Hereditary spherocytosis
A Quick Review
The MCHC is a measurement of the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. A low or high MCHC level may indicate anemia, which is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic diseases.
The MCHC is a part of a complete blood count (CBC), which is a routine blood test that measures the number and size of your red blood cells, as well as other components of your blood. The CBC is typically ordered as part of a routine physical exam or if you have symptoms of anemia.
The MCHC test is quick and requires no preparation. Depending on your results, your healthcare provider may talk to you about the potential cause of your high or low MCHC level. They may also talk to you about treatment options to address your anemia.
Here are some tips to improve your MCHC levels:
- Eat a healthy diet that is rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
- Take iron supplements if your healthcare provider recommends them.
- Manage any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your anemia.
