Why Do My Lab Results Show Low MCHC Reading? What Does Low MCHC Value mean?

If your MCHC value is below the normal range of 33.4–35.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL), it means you have low MCHC.

What does MCHC mean?

Low MCHC, also known as hypochromia, can indicate that you have a lower concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. This can reduce your body’s ability to transport oxygen to your tissues.

Low MCHC can be caused by several conditions:

Iron deficiency anemia: This refers to a lack of iron in your blood. It can result from intestinal malabsorption, pregnancy, and other factors.

Chronic low-grade blood loss over time: Common examples include lengthy menstruation and untreated peptic ulcers.

Aplastic anemia: This is when your bone marrow cannot make enough new blood cells for your body to work properly. It can develop from damage to the stem cells inside your bone marrow.

Pernicious anemia: This occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, which helps make red blood cells. Causes include a weakened stomach lining and autoimmune activity.

Hemolytic anemia: This is when your body destroys more red blood cells than it replaces. It has several causes, including infections and bone marrow failure.

Symptoms of low MCHC include weakness, irregular heartbeat, and breathing problems. high MCHC meaning

A low MCHC reading (below 32 g/dL) in your blood test indicates hypochromic anemia, a condition where your red blood cells have less hemoglobin than usual. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.  

Possible reasons for your low MCHC:

Iron Deficiency: This is the most common cause of low MCHC. Iron is a crucial element for hemoglobin production. If your body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce enough hemoglobin, leading to red blood cells with lower hemoglobin concentration (hypochromic).

Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate can also disrupt healthy red blood cell production and lead to low MCHC.  These vitamins are essential for various cellular processes involved in red blood cell development.

Chronic Diseases: Certain chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or kidney disease can affect red blood cell production and contribute to low MCHC.

Blood Loss: Significant blood loss, either acute or chronic, can deplete iron stores and lead to lower hemoglobin production.

Bone Marrow Issues: Problems with bone marrow, the factory that produces blood cells, can also cause abnormal red blood cell production and low MCHC.

Genetic Blood Disorders: In rare cases, genetic blood disorders like thalassemia can affect hemoglobin production and cause low MCHC.

It's important to note that I cannot diagnose your specific case.  To determine the underlying cause of your low MCHC, consulting me is essential.  We will consider your medical history, symptoms (if any), and other blood test results to make a diagnosis.

If you have low MCHC, it’s important to consult with me. We can help determine the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment options. 

Examples to understand Low MCHC Test Results

As mentioned earlier, a low MCHC (below 32 g/dL, read MCHC Normal Chart) indicates hypochromic anemia, meaning your red blood cells have less hemoglobin than usual.

This person receives a CBC test report showing:

MCHC: 30 g/dL (This falls below the typical range of 32-36 g/dL)

Hemoglobin: 11 g/dL (Lower than the average range of 12-16 g/dL for women and 14-18 g/dL for men)

Hematocrit: 35% (Slightly lower than the average range of 40-50% for women and 42-54% for men)

MCV: 75 fL (Slightly lower than the average range of 80-100 fL)

The low MCHC (30 g/dL) signifies it's likely has hypochromic anemia.

The low hemoglobin (11 g/dL) reinforces the possibility of anemia, as it reflects a reduced amount of oxygen-carrying protein in her blood.

The slightly low hematocrit (35%) and MCV (75 fL) suggest her red blood cells might also be smaller than average (microcytic), which is common in iron deficiency anemia.

Possible Causes of Low MCHC (using this example):

Iron Deficiency: This is the most likely culprit. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin. Without sufficient iron, red blood cells become pale and smaller (microcytic) with less hemoglobin (hypochromic), leading to such results.

Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency: These vitamins are crucial for healthy red blood cell production. Deficiencies can lead to abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytosis) with uneven hemoglobin distribution, although microcytosis can also occur in some cases.  Without additional tests, it's difficult to say definitively in this case.

Doctor's next steps for you:

Review medical history and symptoms.

Based on these results and symptoms, the doctor might recommend:

• Iron studies (serum iron, ferritin): To assess iron stores and diagnose iron deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels: To rule out deficiencies.

Treatment for this person (depending on diagnosis):

Iron deficiency anemia: Iron supplements and dietary changes rich in iron (red meat, lentils, leafy green vegetables) would be recommended.

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency: Supplements would be prescribed to address the deficiency.

More to understand MCHC results

Remember: This case is an example, and the specific cause of your low MCHC could be different. Consulting me is crucial for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.