If I Have High MCHC Level, What Is The Meaning And What Should I Do?

MCHC stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration. It’s a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell. The reference range for MCHC in adults is 3.4–35.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). If your MCHC value is above 35.5 grams per deciliter, you have high MCHC.

High MCHC, also known as hyperchromia, can indicate that you have a higher concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. This can increase your chances of developing various health complications such as blood clots.

High MCHC can be caused by several conditions.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA): This occurs when your body develops antibodies that attack your red blood cells.

Macrocytic anemia: This is a type of blood disorder where some of the red blood cells are much larger than usual.

Hereditary spherocytosis: This is a genetic mutation that makes the membranes of red blood cells fragile.

Severe burns: Blood loss from severe burns may cause a person to have hemolytic anemia and high MCHC.

Liver disease: The liver stores and processes hemoglobin, so people with liver disease often have some form of anemia.

Overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism): This may lead to changes in a person’s red blood cells.

If you have high MCHCMCHC, it’s important to consult me. we can help determine the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment options. Please note that this information is intended for general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. 

A high MCHC level (above 36 g/dL) indicates an increased concentration of hemoglobin within your red blood cells.  There are two main scenarios that can cause this:

Increased Hemoglobin Concentration in Red Blood Cells:  In this case, your body is packing more hemoglobin into each red blood cell. This can be associated with certain conditions like:

Vitamin B12 or folate vitamins are essential for healthy red blood cell production. A deficiency can lead to abnormally large red blood cells with higher hemoglobin concentration (macrocytosis with high MCHC).

Hemolytic anemia: This occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. The body might compensate by cramming more hemoglobin into remaining red blood cells.

Spherocytosis: This is a genetic condition where red blood cells are sphere-shaped instead of disc-shaped. Spherocytosis makes red blood cells more fragile and prone to destruction, potentially leading to high MCHC.

Hemoglobin Outside of Red Blood Cells:  Sometimes, red blood cells rupture, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream. This can also lead to a falsely high MCHC reading.

What to do If you got High MCHC Level?

Since a high MCHC can point to various underlying conditions, it's crucial to consult me and read How-can-i-read-and-understand-mchc.
Here's what to expect:

Review your medical history and symptoms

MCHC is just one part of a CBC. I will look at other blood cell indices like MCV and hematocrit to understand red blood cell size and volume.

Depending on your situation, we might recommend additional tests such as:

• Iron studies (serum iron, ferritin) to assess iron deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels to rule out deficiencies.
• Tests to assess for hemolytic anemia or spherocytosis.

Suggested Treatment:

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause identified by your doctor. Here are some possibilities:

Vitamin B12 or folate supplementation: If a deficiency is identified, supplements can help normalize red blood cell production.

Iron supplementation: If iron deficiency is the culprit, iron supplements can help increase hemoglobin levels.

Medications: In some cases, medications might be needed to manage hemolytic anemia or other underlying conditions.