What is MCHC in a Blood Test - Know everything about MCHC

You may have come across the term MCHC level while going through your blood test report. This is because the MCHC in a blood test is a part of the CBC panel.

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 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 if the treatment was effective or not.

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.

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.

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.

Some common symptoms of high MCHC include -

• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Weakness
• Jaundice
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Fainting
• Abdominal discomfort

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.

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
• Inability to absorb iron
• Hemolysis

In some rare cases, low MCHC is caused by -

• Cancer
• Parasitic infections such as hookworm infections
• Lead poisoning

The most common symptoms of low MCHC include -

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale gums and skin
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Cold feet or hands
• Headache or dizziness
• Chest pain

Treatment for low MCHC includes increasing the daily iron intake, taking iron supplements, incorporating vitamin B6 and fibre in your daily diet. Furthermore, certain iron-rich foods such as spinach, beans, seafoods, 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.