MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and it is a measurement denoting how much hemoglobin is inside an individual’s red blood cell. The values of MCHC may not necessary be a sign that an individual has a health problem; however, they could be used to consider further tests. In adults, the normal MCHC levels lie between 33 to 36 g/dL (grams per deciliter) though these measurements may vary from one lab to another. Hemoglobin is a protein that is rich in iron and it helps in the movement or transportation of oxygen in blood. The average amount of this protein (hemoglobin) inside a red blood cell is what is referred to as mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
Who Needs An MCHC Blood Test?
A doctor may order for an MCHC blood test when a person shows signs of weakness or fatigue. The test may also be ordered if there is an infection, bruising, or bleeding. A noticeable inflammation may also prompt the test to be done. MCHC test is commonly done to help evaluate a patient for anemia. The test is accompanied by other tests like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) because both tests can offer indications of blood issues in the body. If a person is concerned that they may be having anemia, they can have the tests done together or individually. An effective way of testing a patient for anemia is to undergo complete anemia panel, in which case it also includes MCHC and MCV tests.
How MCHC Blood Tests Are Done
Doctors will order MCHC blood test as part of the CBC or complete blood count test. A sample of blood is drawn from the patient and put into a sample tube. After that, an anticoagulant is put in the blood. The sample is placed for analysis in a Coulter counter after it passes through the hole. A measure of the size and quantity of blood cells is taken. A hematocrit number is obtained. The level of amount of hemoglobin is determined once the red blood cell (RBC) bursts. An automated machine will then calculate the value of MCHC.
MCHC Values
The MCHC values may be high, normal, or low based on the results obtained.
- The normal MCHC values range from about 33 to 36 g/dL or simply between 28 and 33 percent
- Low MCHC values are recorded when the results are less than 28 percent or below 33 g/dL
- High MCHC values are recorded if the results are more than 33 percent or above 36 g/dL.
High MCHC Values- Causes
Having high MCHC values signifies that an individual has high concentrations of hemoglobin in their red blood cells and these cells have a dark pigment. The high values of MCHC may indicate various health conditions like:
- Hemolytic anemia- an autoimmune disease that makes the body to begin destroying its healthy red blood cells.
- Spherocytosis – a hereditary disease affecting the RBC surface layer.
- Deficiency in folic acid – this vitamin helps in the formation of red blood cells
- Liver disease- a person’s liver helps in the formation of red blood cells, so if it’s diseased, it can cause hemoglobin concentrations to be high
- Burns in individuals
Low MCHC Values – Causes
When an MCHC blood tests is conducted and the values are considered low, it indicates that there is low concentration of the protein hemoglobin in the individual’s red blood cells. In this case, the patient’s red blood cells have a pale color or appearance. Low values of MCHC may mean that a patient has thalassemia. This is a blood disorder that is hereditary in nature and it causes low concentrations of hemoglobin. This disorder also causes few red blood cells in a person’s blood serum.
A person with iron deficiency anemia may also show low values of MCHC in their hemoglobin concentration test. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when an individual’s body is not able to manufacture hemoglobin because of insufficient iron. Iron deficiency may be caused by:
- Blood loss from heavy menstruation
- Blood loss from colon tumor
- Pregnancy
- Not taking foods rich in iron
- Having low iron absorption in the individual’s intestines because of a disease like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
Symptoms of Low MCHC Levels
People who have low MCHC levels may show various symptoms and in most cases, they are tied to anemia. The symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Loss of stamina
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic tiredness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Easily bruised
Treating Low MCHC Levels
Before treatment is devised, a doctor will have to identify the underlying cause of a person’s low MCHC levels. The commonest cause is iron deficiency anemia. In treating this condition a patient will need to:
- Increase their iron intake in their diet by having foods rich in iron like spinach, peas, seafood, beans, red meat, poultry, pork
- Get more of vitamin B-6 as it helps in the absorption of iron. Foods rich in this vitamin are bananas, spinach, chicken breast, wild tuna (and not farmed ones), salmon, and sweet potato
- Take iron supplements
- Boost their fiber intake to help improve the absorption of iron in intestines
- Take the required daily calcium and not more because too much of the mineral may impair the absorption of iron.
In patients who have Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, they need to watch their gluten intake because it tends to affect iron absorption. A patient can improve their MCHC levels by avoiding foods that contain gluten for example barley, rye, and wheat-derived foods.
Since some drugs may bring down the levels of MCHC in red blood cells, it is important you discuss the issue with the doctor. For example, there are drugs that induce hemolytic anemia. The drugs, once given they trigger the patient’s immune system to begin attacking its own red blood cells causing what is known as drug-induced hemolytic anemia. Drugs that can bring about this type of anemia include levofloxacin, cephalosporin, NSAIDs, methyldopa, and penicillin.
Patients with thalassemia may require stem cell transplant or blood transfusion.
