What does MCHC mean in a blood test when it is low?
A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone’s red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body.
Is low MCHC bad?
Low MCHC. A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) can cause hypochromia, or paler red blood cells. Hypochromia is a sign of anemia [2]. However, a result that is slightly lower may not be of medical significance, as this test often varies from day to day and from person to person.
What does it mean when your MCH level is low?
A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.
What causes high MCH and MCHC?
Causes of high MCH levels High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body. High MCH scores may also be the result of the following: liver diseases.
Is 32 low for MCHC?
The « normal » range for MCHC can vary somewhat between different labs but is usually between 32 and 36. 3 Some labs have a smaller range of normal, for example, between 33.4 and 35.5.
What does low MCHC and high MPV mean?
In addition, a low level of MCHC may also indicate sideroblastic anemia. Another element on the blood work panel is the mean platelet value or MPV. The MPV is the just as suggested it averages the amount of platelets. If a MPV is high, then it may indicate a problem with the blood marrow.
How do you fix a low MCHC?
Can low MCHC levels be treated?
- Increase iron in your diet.
- Take iron supplements.
- Get more vitamin B6, which is necessary for proper absorption of iron.
- Add more fiber to your diet, which can help improve the intestinal absorption of iron.
Is 31 a low MCHC?
A normal MCHC level for an adult is 31-37 grams per deciliter (g/dL). MCHC values by themselves are not always a sign that a person has any underlying health problems but may prompt a doctor to do further tests.
What is MCHC test result?
A similar measure to MCH is something doctors call « mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration » (MCHC). MCHC checks the average amount of hemoglobin in a group of red blood cells. Your doctor may use both measurements to help in a diagnosis of anemia.
What is MCHC vs MCH?
MCH quantifies the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell. The normal values for MCH are 29 ± 2 picograms (pg) per cell. MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin per unit volume. In contrast to MCH, MCHC correlates the hemoglobin content with the volume of the cell.
What does MCHC tell you?
- A MCHC test is a test that is carried out to test a person for anemia. The MCHC in a MCHC test stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration. MCHC is the calculation of the average hemoglobin inside a red blood cell. A MCHC test can be performed along with a MCV test (Mean Corpuscular Volume).
How to calculate MCHC?
- MCHC is calculated by multiplying the hemoglobin result from the CBC panel by 100 and then dividing by the hematocrit result. The reference range for MCHC in adults is 33.4-35.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). If your MCHC value is below 33.4 grams per deciliter, you have low MCHC.
What is MCHC normal range?
- A normal MCHC level for an adult is 31-37 grams per deciliter (g/dL). MCHC values by themselves are not always a sign that a person has any underlying health problems but may prompt a doctor to do further tests. A CBC test may be used to diagnose high MCHC. High MCHC is diagnosed as part of a blood test known as a complete blood count or CBC.
How do you calculate MCH and MCHC?
- Red cell indices MCV, MCH and MCHC are calculated from hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count as follows: Most clinical laboratories now use automated machines to perform blood counts (commonly called CBC) that include red cell indices as part of the profile. Two types of automated machines are generally used.
