Understanding MCHC Blood Test: Normal Ranges & Variations

An MCHC test determines whether red blood cells carry the proper haemoglobin quantity. MCHC is one of the numerous tests used to evaluate RBC health and function to look for indications of anaemia and other blood disorders.

One of the RBC indices, a group of tests that offer details on certain RBC properties like size, shape, and quality, is called the MCHC test.

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. MCHC is the amount of haemoglobin in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of packed red blood cells. MCHC is often measured along with other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a reticulocyte count, to help diagnose and monitor a variety of blood disorders.

What is MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration)?

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the average haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. An MCHC normal range is between 32 and 36 picograms per deciliter (pg/dL).

MCHC Results and What They Mean?

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the average haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to the body's tissues.

MCHC Normal range: 32-36 pg/dL

High MCHC (MCHC > 36 pg/dL)

A high MCHC may be a sign of:

• Spherocytosis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia
• Dehydration
• Polycythemia vera

Low MCHC (MCHC < 32 pg/dL)

A low MCHC may be a sign of:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Anaemia of chronic disease
• Lead poisoning
• Kidney disease

What's a Normal MCHC Result?

The MCHC normal range can vary slightly between laboratories, but a common reference range is around 32% to 36%. If MCHC levels are outside the normal range, it may indicate certain medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies.

How MCHC is Calculated?

MCHC is calculated by dividing the haemoglobin concentration by the hematocrit. Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.

The following formula is used to calculate MCHC:

MCHC = Hemoglobin/Hematocrit

For example, if a person has a haemoglobin concentration of 13.5 g/dL and a hematocrit of 40%, their MCHC would be calculated as follows:

MCHC = 13.5 g/dL / 40% = 33.75 pg/dL

Purpose of MCHC Blood Test

The purpose of an MCHC blood test is to diagnose and monitor a variety of blood disorders, such as:

• Anaemia: It happens when the body lacks healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. There are many different types of anaemia, and each type can have a different cause.
• Spherocytosis: Spherocytosis is when the red blood cells are abnormally round and small. This can make the red blood cells less able to carry oxygen and more likely to be destroyed by the spleen.
• Sickle cell anaemia: Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic condition in which the red blood cells are crescent-shaped. These crescent-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels and damage tissues.
• Thalassemia: Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of haemoglobin.
• Polycythemia vera: Polycythemia vera is a condition in which the body produces too many red blood cells.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is when the body does not have enough fluids.
• Lead poisoning: It happens when the body has too much lead, which can damage red blood cells.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys do not work properly.

What Causes a Low MCHC?

A low MCHC can be caused by some factors, including:

• Iron deficiency anaemia 
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Anaemia of chronic disease
• Sideroblastic anemia
• Lead Poising
• Kidney diseases
• Thalassemia
• Sideroblastic anemia

If you have a low MCHC, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. Once the cause is known, your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment.

Can you treat low MCHC levels?

Yes, there are treatments available for low MCHC levels. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

In some cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to increase the number of red blood cells in the blood.

Here are some tips for treating low MCHC levels:

• Follow your doctor's treatment plan carefully. This may include taking medication, making dietary changes, or getting regular blood transfusions.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. These nutrients are essential for the production of haemoglobin.
• Exercise can improve your overall health and increase your red blood cell count.
• Sleep is important for many aspects of your health, including blood cell production.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Can you prevent low MCHC levels?

There are some steps you can take to help prevent low MCHC levels, including:

• Get regular checkups and screenings. This will help to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to low MCHC levels.
• Avoid exposure to lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can damage red blood cells and lower the MCHC. Lead exposure can occur from breathing in lead dust, eating lead-contaminated food or water, or using lead-containing products.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins contain iron, vitamin B12, and folate, essential nutrients for the developing foetus or baby.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate.

What Causes a High MCHC?

A high MCHC can be caused by several factors, including:

• Dehydration: When you are dehydrated, your blood volume decreases. This can cause the concentration of haemoglobin in your blood to increase.
• Polycythemia vera: This rare blood cancer causes the body to produce too many red blood cells.
• Liver disease: The liver helps to remove old and damaged red blood cells from the bloodstream. If the liver is not working properly, these red blood cells may remain in the bloodstream and cause a high MCHC.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and diuretics, can increase the MCHC.

Inaccurate MCHC Results

Several factors can contribute to inaccurate MCHC results, including:

• Lab Error:
  • Contamination: If there was contamination during the blood sample collection or processing, it could lead to inaccurate results.
  • Calibration Issues: Problems with calibrating the instruments used to analyse the blood samples could also lead to inaccurate results.
• Patient Factors:
  • Dehydration: If a patient is dehydrated, the blood becomes more concentrated, potentially leading to falsely elevated MCHC levels.
  • Overhydration: On the other hand, excessive hydration can dilute the blood and lower MCHC levels.
• Medical Conditions:
  • Certain medical conditions, such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), can affect MCHC results.
  • Genetic conditions like spherocytosis, where red blood cells are spherical and more concentrated, can also impact MCHC levels.
• Medications:
  • Some medications, such as certain diuretics, can affect blood concentration and may influence MCHC results.
• Sample collection errors: If the blood sample is collected properly, it can lead to accurate results. For example, if the sample is hemolyzed (the red blood cells are broken down), it can lead to falsely elevated MCHC results.
• Instrument errors: The instrument used to measure MCHC can also be a source of error. For example, if the instrument is properly calibrated, it can lead to accurate results.
• Interfering substances: Certain substances in the blood, such as lipids (fats) and bilirubin (a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells), can interfere with the measurement of MCHC.

MCHC Blood Test Procedure

There is no special preparation required for the MCHC blood test. However, telling your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking is important, as some of these can interfere with the test results.

Here is the procedure MCHC blood test:

The MCHC blood test is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted.

Once the blood sample is collected, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your MCHC blood test results will be available to your doctor within a few days.

Here is a general overview of the procedure for a CBC, which includes the MCHC measurement:

• Blood Sample Collection:
  • A healthcare professional, usually a phlebotomist, will clean the area with an antiseptic and then use a needle to draw a blood sample from a vein, often in your arm.
• Sample Processing:
  • The collected blood sample is then processed in a laboratory. This involves separating the different blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Automated Analysis:
  • Modern laboratories often use automated analysers to perform a CBC. These machines can rapidly and accurately measure various blood components, including haemoglobin and hematocrit.
• Calculation of MCHC:
  • The MCHC is calculated using the formula: MCHC = (Haemoglobin / Hematocrit) x 100.
  • Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit is the percentage of the blood composed of red blood cells.
• Reporting of Results:
  • The results of the CBC, including the MCHC value, are typically reported on a laboratory report. The normal range for MCHC is usually around 32% to 36%.

MCHC Blood Test Safety Guidelines

The MCHC blood test is a very safe procedure. However, there are a few minor risks associated with the test, including:

• Pain and bruising at the puncture site: This is the most common side effect of the test and is usually mild and goes away on its own within a few days.
• Infection: The risk of infection is very low. However, keeping the puncture site clean and dry is important to reduce the risk of infection.
• Fainting: Some people may faint during or after the test. This is usually because they are nervous or have low blood pressure.

If you have scheduled a blood test, it's always a good idea to follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as fasting requirements or specific preparations. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Complementary Tests

Complementary tests for MCHC are as follows:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a routine blood test that measures the number of different types of blood cells in your blood. It is one of the most common blood tests performed. A CBC can help diagnose various conditions, including anaemia, infection, and leukaemia.
• Reticulocyte count: A reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells in your blood. Reticulocytes are produced in the bone marrow and mature into red blood cells for a few days. A reticulocyte count can help assess your bone marrow's health and diagnose certain blood disorders, such as anaemia.
• Peripheral blood smear: A peripheral blood smear is a microscopic examination of a blood sample. This test can help to identify abnormal blood cells, such as immature red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A peripheral blood smear can diagnose various blood disorders, including anaemia, leukaemia, and lymphoma.
• Iron studies: Iron studies measure the levels of iron and iron-binding proteins in your blood. Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron studies can be used to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce enough healthy red blood cells.
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels: Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients for producing haemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can cause anaemia.
• Kidney function tests: Kidney function tests measure the function of the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. Kidney disease can cause anaemia.

Conclusion

MCHC measures the amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Combined with other CBC values, it is most helpful in determining the underlying causes of anaemia and predicting prognosis in those without anaemia. If you are planning to take the MCHC blood test, then contact us at Metropolis. Our expert technicians will collect the blood sample, you can even book a test from the home option.