What is Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) in a Blood Test?

You may have encountered the term MCHC level while going through your blood test report. This is one of several tests that can be used to evaluate the health of your red blood cells. The MCHC in a blood test is part of the CBC panel. Understanding it helps reveal conditions like anaemia and other blood disorders.

Read on to learn more about this vital aspect of blood health and its implications for general well-being.

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration or MCHC is the measure of the amount of haemoglobin present in a person’s blood. Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. High and low haemoglobin levels in the blood are signs of several health problems.

The value of MCHC provides information about how dense haemoglobin is within every single red blood cell, giving you a more detailed picture of how efficiently blood carries oxygen.

The MCHC results help diagnose anaemia and several other iron or blood-related disorders. Additionally, it helps to monitor a health condition after the diagnosis. An MCHC test also helps to observe whether the treatment is effective.

• Diagnose Anaemia and Other Blood Disorders: The results may diagnose anaemia and various other iron or blood-related disorders such as thalassemia or Iron Deficiency anaemia.
• Monitor Health Conditions: This helps monitor the disease since diagnosis to ensure that it is not getting worse or progressing.
• Evaluate Treatment Effectiveness: An MCHC test monitors whether the treatment failed so that doctors can change their strategy as necessary.
• Identify Nutritional Deficiencies: It can detect nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or folic acid shortfall, which are important for normal red blood cell production.
• Assess Oxygen-Carrying Capacity: The test assesses the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which is important in diagnosing conditions that affect how oxygen is transported around the body.
• Detect Underlying Chronic Diseases: MCHC levels can also indicate chronic underlying diseases, such as kidney disease or chronic inflammation, which may affect haemoglobin production.

If you happen to be suffering from nonstop considerable fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or frequent headaches, then you seriously need an MCHC test because this could be a symptom of anaemia and other blood disorders. In addition, if there are repeated occurrences of anaemia, then one should probably get this test done, too. 

Also, health care professionals may encourage their patients to undergo this examination as part of their regular checkups or when treating some blood problems. The MCHC Test helps diagnose and manage different issues concerning haemoglobin levels.

Proper Preparations for an MCHC Test are Crucial for Accurate Results. Following these recommendations will ensure your results reflect your true health status.

• Speak To Your Healthcare Provider: If you are on any medication, let them know because it can interfere with your lab results.
• Observe Fasting Guidelines: If you are fasting as advised by a doctor, do not eat or drink anything (except water) for the time specified before taking the test.
• Stay Hydrated: Before the test, it is recommended that one drinks lots of water to make blood drawing easier and obtain accurate results.
• Do Not Exercise Hard: Do not engage in intense physical activity before the test, as this can cause a temporary change in blood cell levels.
• Inform Of Health Conditions: Make sure you inform your healthcare professional about any medical conditions you have, as these may affect the results of the tests performed.
• Rest Well: Ensure you have had enough rest since anxiety and tiredness influence your haemoglobin level.
• Avoid Alcohol And Smoking: Do not take alcohol or smoke before testing because they can harm your blood.

Knowing what the MCHC test involves is helpful before you take it. The MCHC test is pretty simple. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Preparation: Depending on your physician's preference, you may be asked to fast or avoid certain activities.

Step 2: Blood Draw: A health professional will disinfect your arm and insert a needle into a vein through which he/she will draw a small amount of blood into a tube for testing.

Step 3: Lab Analysis: This sample will be sent to the lab for analysis of MCHC levels and other blood components.

Step 4: Results: Your doctor will discuss your results and explain what your MCHC level says about your health.

In order to calculate MCHC, multiply the haemoglobin count by 100 and then divide it by haematocrit result. Haematocrit result is a report of the number of red blood cells present in a blood sample. On average, an adult's MCHC ranges between 33.4 and 35.5 grams per decilitre. If the MCHC value is lower than 33.4 g/dL, the person has low MCHC. In contrast, an individual has high MCHC if the MCHC value is higher than 35.5 g/dL.

Step 3: Review Other Blood Metrics: Discuss these findings with a medical expert for finer interpretation. Based on your general health status, the doctor will give you detailed information about what this value suggests about your current health and, if need be, recommend carrying out other tests.

Step 4: Consult Your Doctor: Discuss the results with your healthcare provider for a detailed interpretation. Your doctor can explain what the MCHC value means in the context of your overall health, consider any additional tests if needed, and recommend appropriate next steps or treatments based on your specific condition.

Individuals with anaemia or any other blood or iron-related disorders must take an MCHC test. People with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, hereditary spherocytosis and hyperthyroidism are at higher risk of high MCHC. On the other hand, people with iron deficiency and low production of red blood cells have greater odds of having a low MCHC.Here are a few more people who must take this test:

• Those experiencing chronic fatigue, weakness, or pallor
• Patients with chronic kidney disease
• People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Individuals with a family history of blood disorders
• Pregnant women, especially those with a history of anaemia
• Those on long-term medication affecting bone marrow function
• Anyone with unexplained bruising or bleeding

Treatment of high MCHC depends on its underlying causes. Individuals with high MCHC can treat the condition with corticosteroids like Prednisone or by increasing the level of folate and vitamin B-12. In the case of hereditary spherocytosis, the doctor might recommend blood transfusions and removing the gallbladder or spleen. 

Furthermore, the following precautions can also help to reduce high MCHC –

• Make sure to eat nutrient-rich foods, especially rich in folate and vitamin B-12.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol if vitamin B-12 deficiency is the cause of high MCHC.
• Quit or at least reduce smoking.
• Take the supplements that your doctor prescribes.

If your MCHC levels are elevated, it is important to consider the underlying factors contributing to this change. The primary causes of high MCHC are as follows:

• Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia: This condition arises when the human body produces antibodies that attach to the red blood cells. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia also develops with existing health conditions like lymphoma or lupus. Certain medications, such as penicillin, can cause autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Common symptoms of this health condition include fatigue, paleness, weakness, jaundice, chest pain, fever, fainting and abdominal discomfort.

• Hereditary Spherocytosis: Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. The symptoms of this health condition can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include anaemia, jaundice, enlarged spleen and gallstones.

• Severe Burns: Individuals hospitalised with burns on more than ten percent of the body can have haemolytic anaemia. Blood transfusion helps to combat this condition.

• Chronic Liver Disease: Liver conditions such as cirrhosis can affect the red blood cells and result in high MCHC. Symptoms may include yellow skin, stomach aches, and swelling.

• Dehydration: Severe dehydration may cause a rise in MCHC due to diminished haemoglobin concentration in the blood. Hydration usually helps return MCHC to normal levels.

• Hyperlipidemia: High amounts of lipids or fats in the blood interfere with correct MCHC measurement. This problem can be addressed by controlling lipid levels through diet or drugs.

• Medications: Several drugs, including penicillin, also affect the largest MCHC. A patient must discuss their medication history with a healthcare provider to find out any probable changes.

Treatment for low MCHC includes increasing the daily iron intake, taking iron supplements, and incorporating vitamin B6 and fibre in your daily diet. Furthermore, certain iron-rich foods, such as spinach, beans, seafood, and peas and vitamin B6-rich foods, like bananas, chicken breast, and salmon help you stay protected from low MCHC.

Therefore, if you have high MCHC, the haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells is very high. In comparison, it is the other way around for low MCHC. Individuals facing any symptoms of abnormal MCHC should consult a doctor and arrange for an MCHC blood test.

Hypochromic microcytic anaemia is the most significant cause of low MCHC. In this condition, your red blood cells are smaller than normal and have a decreased level of haemoglobin. This condition is caused due to the following factors -

• Iron Deficiency: One reason behind low MCHC is the lack of iron. Iron is critical for haemoglobin synthesis, and its deficiency leads to smaller-sized RBCs that contain less haemoglobin, resulting in hypochromic, microcytic anaemia.
• Hemolysis: It refers to the destruction of red blood cells, which can significantly reduce MCHC levels. Hemolysis could arise due to various reasons, including autoimmune diseases, certain drugs or infections, jaundice, dark urine, and an enlarged spleen.
• Inability to Absorb Iron: Low MCHC can result from conditions that hinder iron absorption, such as gluten intolerance or ulcerative colitis. When the body fails to absorb adequate iron from food, this causes insufficient production of haemoglobin. Consequently, anaemia and associated symptoms may result.

In some rare cases, low MCHC is caused by:

• Cancer: Certain forms of cancer, like leukaemia or lymphoma, may affect red blood cell generation, leading to low MCHC levels. Cancer can also disrupt normal blood cell production and function, resulting in anaemia and several other symptoms.
• Parasitic Infections: Chronic blood loss and iron deficiency may result from parasitic infections, including hookworm infection. Symptoms that may accompany parasitic infections might include gastrointestinal distress and signs consistent with anaemia.
• Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning can interfere with haemoglobin production and produce low MCHC levels. Lead disrupts the normal synthesis of haemoglobin, leading to anaemia. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include abdominal pain, headaches, etc.