MCHC helps doctors assess the size and color of your red blood cells. A normal MCHC level is between 32 and 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL). An abnormal MCHC level can indicate various health conditions, including:
Anemia: This is a condition in which your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells.
There are many different types of anemia, each with a different cause.
Thalassemia: This is a genetic blood disorder that affects the way your body makes hemoglobin.
Sickle cell disease: This is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be sickle-shaped.
Sickle cell disease: This is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be sickle-shaped.
Spherocytosis: This is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to be sphere-shaped instead of disc-shaped.
Iron deficiency: This is a common cause of anemia. It occurs when you don't have enough iron in your body to make hemoglobin.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: This is another cause of anemia. It occurs when you don't have enough vitamin B12 in your body to make healthy red blood cells.
Liver disease: This can cause abnormal red blood cell production.
If your MCHC level is abnormal, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for an abnormal MCHC level will depend on the underlying cause.
Here are some of the things you can do to keep your red blood cells healthy:
If your MCHC level is abnormal, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for an abnormal MCHC level will depend on the underlying cause.
Here are some of the things you can do to keep your red blood cells healthy:
Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
- Take a daily iron supplement if your doctor recommends it.
- Get enough vitamin B12. Most adults can get enough vitamin B12 from eating a balanced diet that includes meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. However, some people may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
Explaining MCHC for ordinary people
What is an MCHC blood test?
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) is a measurement of the amount of hemoglobin a red blood cell has relative to the cell's volume
What does MCHC stand for?
MCHC stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration
Why is an MCHC test done?
An MCHC test is generally performed to help diagnose and monitor conditions like anemia, sickle cell disease, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and hematology, among others
How is MCHC calculated?
MCHC is calculated by multiplying the hemoglobin level times 10 and then dividing by the hematocrit level.
What is the normal range for MCHC?
The normal range for MCHC is 32 to 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 320 to 360 grams per liter (g/L)
What does a low MCHC mean?
A low MCHC measurement, known as hypochromia, indicates that you have a lower concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells
What does a high MCHC mean?
A high MCHC measurement, known as hyperchromia, indicates that you have a higher concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells
What conditions can cause a low MCHC?
Conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia can cause a low MCHC
What conditions can cause a high MCHC?
Conditions such as spherocytosis or dehydration can cause a high MCHC
Is MCHC a standard measurement in the diagnosis of anemia?
Yes, MCHC is a standard measurement in the diagnosis of anemia
How often is an MCHC test done?
An MCHC test is usually done once a year during routine health screenings
Can MCHC levels be normal with many types of anemia?
Yes, MCHC value may be normal with many types of anemia.
What is the significance of MCHC in red blood cells?
Since hemoglobin is the molecule to which oxygen attaches, MCHC is a measure of the average oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells circulating in the body.
What happens if MCHC is too low?
Having less hemoglobin reduces your blood's capacity to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues
What happens if MCHC is too high?
This can increase your chances of developing various health complications such as blood clots
Can MCHC levels indicate iron deficiency anemia?
Yes, MCHC levels below the normal range can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia
Can MCHC levels indicate spherocytosis?
Yes, a high MCHC level often implies that red blood cells are more concentrated with hemoglobin than usual, which can be caused by diseases such as spherocytosis
Can MCHC levels indicate dehydration?
Yes, a high MCHC level can also be caused by dehydration
Can MCHC levels indicate thalassemia?
Yes, a low MCHC test indicates that the red blood cells have a lower concentration of hemoglobin than usual, which may be found in disorders such as thalassemia
Is MCHC a part of a complete blood count (CBC) test?
Yes, MCHC is one of the measurements taken during a complete blood count (CBC) test
What is the procedure for an MCHC test?
An MCHC test is done as part of a CBC, so the test is done any time a CBC is ordered.
Can MCHC levels help diagnose sickle cell disease?
Yes, an MCHC test is generally also performed to help diagnose conditions like sickle cell disease
Can MCHC levels help diagnose hyperglycemia?
Yes, an MCHC test is generally also performed to help diagnose conditions like hyperglycemia
Can MCHC levels help diagnose hematological diseases such as anemia?
Yes, an MCHC test is generally also performed to help diagnose conditions like anemia, leukemia
Can MCHC levels help monitor anemia?
Yes, an MCHC test is generally also performed to help monitor conditions like anemia
Can MCHC levels help monitor sickle cell disease?
Yes, an MCHC test is generally also performed to help monitor conditions like sickle cell disease
Can MCHC levels help monitor hyperglycemia?
No, an MCHC test is generally not performed to help monitor conditions like hyperglycemia
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale skin, or light-headedness.
What causes anemia?
Anemia can be caused by conditions that cause long-lasting inflammation, kidney disease, or trouble absorbing iron.
Steps to perform an MCHC blood test:
Find a Vein: A healthcare professional will find a vein in your arm, hand, or elsewhere from which to draw blood.
Clean the Area: The area will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe1.
Apply a Band: A band will be placed around your arm above the intended site to make the vein easier to.
Insert the Needle: The needle will be inserted into your vein. At this point, you may feel a pinch or a little pain.
Collect the Blood: Using a small needle, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The small amount of blood that the needle takes is collected into a vial.
Process Time: The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
Post-Test Care: After the test, you may experience bruising or mild pain where the needle was inserted.
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