What is MCHC in a blood test, and why is it necessary?

What is MCHC in a blood test?

MCHC is an abbreviation for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. It's a measurement of the average haemoglobin concentration within a single red blood cell or RBC. Your MCHC can fall into low, normal, and high ranges, even if your red blood cell count is normal.

What is the need for an MCHC blood test?

Your healthcare provider may ask for a MCHC blood test as a part of a CBC panel as it helps with diagnosis of various infections and diseases, including blood disorders like anaemia.

Understanding the Results

A normal MCHC level in adults is considered to be anywhere between 32 to 36 grams per decilitre (g/dL). Anything below or above this range indicates low MCHC and high MCHC respectively.

Blood test procedure

If your doctor suspects that you have a low MCHC, they will order a complete blood count (CBC).This is a collection of tests that includes a blood test to examine your MCHC levels and a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test, which measures the average volume of your red blood cells.

Causes of high MCHC

A high MCHC level indicates that the haemoglobin present within your red blood cells is more concentrated. Some of the common causes behind high MCHC are:

1. Hereditary spherocytosis

It is a condition that affects the red blood cells in your body by making them more fragile and susceptible to damage.

2. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

This is a rare kind of immune condition where your body mistakenly attacks its red blood cells.

3. Severe burns

If an individual sustains severe burns on their body, they have an increased risk of developing haemolytic anaemia.

Symptoms of high MCHC

Some of the common signs of high MCHC include:

1. Jaundice

2. Fatigue

3. Fever

4. Weakness

5. Abdominal discomfort

6. Paleness

7. Pain in the chest area

What should you do if you have a high MCHC?

If your MCHC blood test results indicate a high MCHC value, immediately consult your healthcare provider for further guidance and treatment. The doctor may also suggest that you:

1. Avoid or reduce smoking

2. Avoid consumption of alcohol

3. Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with healthy contents of vitamin B-12, and folate.

4. Take prescribed medications and supplements.

Causes of low MCHC

A low MCHC level means that the concentration of haemoglobin in your red blood cells is below normal. The most common cause behind development of low MCHC is Hypochromic microcytic anaemia. It is a condition where the red blood cells in your body are smaller than normal and have a low haemoglobin level.

Symptoms of low MCHC

Some common signs of low MCHC levels are:

1. Headaches

2. Pale skin and gums

3. Cold hands and feet

4. Weakness

5. Fatigue

6. Fast or inconsistent heartbeat

7. Pain in the chest

8. Shortness of breath

What should you do if you have a low MCHC?

If your MCHC blood test result indicates a low MCHC level, seek immediate medical care. Your healthcare provider will work towards identifying the root cause behind the issue and suggest a suitable treatment plan. For example, iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of low MCHC, and its treatment plan includes;

1. Taking prescribed iron and vitamin B6 supplements

2. Increasing iron-rich foods in daily diet

3. Sticking to the recommended daily calcium intake

4. Adding food items that are rich in dietary fibre.