MCHC Testing 101: Top Tests and Understanding Results

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a crucial measurement in blood tests that helps assess your red blood cells’ health. It reflects how much hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, is present in each red blood cell.

Since hemoglobin is vital for delivering oxygen, checking its concentration can provide important clues about your overall health. Understanding MCHC levels is essential for detecting blood disorders like anemia. This article explains the significance of MCHC.

Sign Up to Order Labs

[signup]

What is MCHC?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measurement used in blood tests to evaluate the health of your red blood cells. It tells us how much hemoglobin is concentrated in each red blood cell. 

Hemoglobin is essential because it transports oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, supporting energy and overall function. By checking MCHC levels, doctors can see how well your red blood cells are doing their job and whether they are correctly filled with hemoglobin.

The Role of MCHC in Evaluating Red Blood Cells

MCHC is crucial in understanding red blood cell health because it helps identify issues related to hemoglobin production or red blood cell structure. When MCHC levels are outside the normal range, they can indicate problems like anemia, in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. 

It also gives insights into different types of anemia, helping doctors determine the best course of action.

MCHC vs. Other Red Blood Cell Indices: MCV and MCH

While MCHC focuses on hemoglobin concentration inside red blood cells, other indices like Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) provide different information. MCV measures the average size of red blood cells, helping to identify whether they are too large or too small. 

MCH, on the other hand, measures the total amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell. Each test provides a different puzzle piece in understanding red blood cell health. Still, MCHC focuses explicitly on the concentration of hemoglobin, which can be a strong indicator of certain blood disorders.

Normal MCHC Range and Its Significance

The normal range for MCHC is typically between 32 to 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL), but this can vary slightly depending on the lab. When MCHC levels are within this range, it generally suggests that your red blood cells are functioning as they should, carrying enough hemoglobin to meet your body’s needs.

However, if your MCHC levels are too low, it may point to conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where your red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. On the other hand, if MCHC levels are too high, it could suggest a different type of anemia or other underlying health concerns. 

Understanding these levels helps doctors detect issues early and manage potential health problems effectively.

Why is MCHC Tested?

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) is integral to routine blood work because it helps diagnose and monitor various health conditions, particularly red blood cell function. By measuring the hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells, doctors can gather essential information about how well blood delivers oxygen to the body.

This makes MCHC valuable in identifying certain blood disorders and managing long-term health conditions.

Conditions That MCHC Helps Diagnose

MCHC is most commonly used to help diagnose types of anemia, a condition where your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. Low MCHC levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia, which is when there is insufficient iron to produce hemoglobin properly. 

It can also help detect thalassemia, a genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin production. In addition, MCHC helps diagnose hereditary spherocytosis, a condition where red blood cells are misshapen, leading to premature breakdown and a lower hemoglobin concentration.

Monitoring Ongoing Conditions

MCHC is not just for diagnosis but also for monitoring ongoing health conditions. For people with chronic anemia or autoimmune diseases that affect blood cells, tracking MCHC levels over time can help doctors assess whether treatments are working and how well the body is managing red blood cell production.

This is particularly important when anemia is a recurring or long-term problem. Regular testing can alert doctors to changes in blood health that may require adjustments in treatment.

MCHC’s Role in a Broader Blood Panel

MCHC is often tested alongside other red blood cell indices like MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) and MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) as part of a complete blood count (CBC). Together, these measurements provide a comprehensive picture of red blood cell health.

MCHC focuses specifically on hemoglobin concentration, but when used with other tests, it helps clinicians assess overall blood function and health. This is why MCHC is essential to diagnosing, monitoring, and managing blood disorders—it gives doctors key insights into how well your red blood cells are working and whether any underlying issues need further attention.

Top Tests that Include MCHC

MCHC is measured as part of several essential blood tests, helping doctors assess red blood cell health and diagnose various conditions. Below are the critical tests where MCHC provides insights into overall blood health.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests, giving a comprehensive overview of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. MCHC is an integral part of the CBC, as it measures the hemoglobin concentration in your red blood cells. 

Hemoglobin is essential for carrying oxygen; checking its concentration helps doctors determine if your blood functions correctly. MCHC works alongside other key values in a CBC, such as red cell distribution width (RDW) and hematocrit. RDW measures the variation in size of your red blood cells, and hematocrit tells how much space red blood cells take up in your blood.

When these values are considered together, MCHC helps doctors better determine whether red blood cells are healthy, too small, too large, or if hemoglobin levels are an issue.

For instance, low MCHC with a high RDW may indicate iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, normal MCHC with a high RDW can indicate other forms of anemia or bone marrow problems.

Here are examples of this test offered through Rupa Health:

• CBC- Access Med Labs
• CBC w/Diff- Access Med Labs
• CBC- Access Labcorp Draw
• CBC w/Diff- Boston Heart Diagnostic

Peripheral Blood Smear

A peripheral blood smear is another test that can provide detailed insights into the health of your red blood cells. This test involves looking at a blood sample under a microscope to see the cells' shape, size, and structure. MCHC is essential here because it is evaluated alongside the blood smear, helping to interpret the appearance of red blood cells. 

If MCHC is low, for example, the blood smear may show red blood cells that are paler than average (hypochromic), indicating a lack of hemoglobin. This combination of MCHC and the blood smear allows doctors to make more accurate diagnoses. 

In conditions like hereditary spherocytosis, where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped, the MCHC and the visual inspection from a smear provide critical information about the severity and type of red blood cell abnormality.

Other Relevant Lab Tests

In addition to CBCs and blood smears, other lab tests often go hand-in-hand with MCHC results to better understand what’s happening in the body. Iron studies, including serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), are particularly relevant when MCHC is abnormal. 

Low MCHC values often prompt doctors to check iron levels to determine if iron deficiency is the cause. Ferritin, which shows the body’s stored iron, is a critical marker that helps confirm iron deficiency anemia when MCHC is low. MCHC results can also be linked to tests that measure vitamin B12 and folate levels. 

If MCHC levels are normal or high but anemia is still present, it could indicate a different type of anemia, such as one caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate. The body has difficulty producing healthy red blood cells in these cases, leading to anemia despite average hemoglobin concentration.

These vitamins are essential for red blood cell production, and deficiencies can lead to larger-than-normal red blood cells (macrocytic anemia) despite average hemoglobin concentrations, which would appear in MCHC results.

Here are examples of this test offered through Rupa Health:

• Iron, Total- Access Med Labs
• Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test- Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)
• Ferritin (FER)- ZRT Laboratory
• Ferritin- Access Med Labs
• Vitamin B12 & Folate- Access Med Labs
• Folate- Empire City Laboratories Inc.
• Folate- Boston Heart Diagnostics

Understanding MCHC Results

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) results provide essential information about the concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which helps doctors assess your overall blood health. Understanding what normal, high, or low MCHC levels mean can guide further testing or treatment decisions. All MCHC results should be reviewed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.

Normal MCHC Values

The normal range for MCHC typically falls between 32 and 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL), although this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory. When MCHC values are within this range, they suggest that your red blood cells have a healthy hemoglobin concentration. 

This means they are likely functioning correctly and efficiently, delivering oxygen throughout your body. A typical MCHC result indicates balanced red blood cell production and no major hemoglobin-related issues.

High MCHC Values

Elevated MCHC levels, or hyperchromia, occur when the hemoglobin concentration in your red blood cells is higher than average. This can be caused by hereditary spherocytosis, where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped and more fragile. 

Another potential cause is autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its red blood cells, leading to a higher hemoglobin concentration in the remaining cells. A high MCHC result may indicate the presence of hemolysis (red blood cell destruction), leading doctors to investigate conditions like these further. 

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve managing the underlying condition, such as using medications to control immune responses in autoimmune hemolytic anemia or other therapies to support red blood cell health.

Low MCHC Values

Low MCHC values, or hypothermia, mean the hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells is below average. This is often seen in cases of iron deficiency anemia, where the body does not have enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin. 

It can also be associated with chronic diseases, which may interfere with red blood cell production, or genetic conditions like thalassemia, which affect hemoglobin production. When MCHC is low, it suggests that your red blood cells cannot carry as much oxygen, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness. 

In these cases, doctors may order additional tests, such as iron studies or vitamin level checks, to pinpoint the cause of the low MCHC. Treatment often includes addressing the underlying condition, such as taking iron supplements for iron deficiency or managing a chronic disease more effectively.

Clinical Importance of MCHC in Diagnosing Anemia

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) is a valuable tool for doctors when diagnosing and managing anemia. By measuring the hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells, MCHC helps differentiate between various types of anemia, guiding doctors toward the correct diagnosis and treatment approach.

Differentiating Between Types of Anemia Using MCHC

Anemia is when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. There are many types of anemia, and MCHC is crucial in determining which type is present.

• Hypochromic Anemia: This type of anemia is characterized by low MCHC levels, meaning that red blood cells have less hemoglobin than usual. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of hypochromic anemia. 

When MCHC is low, it often indicates a problem with hemoglobin production due to a lack of iron, chronic diseases, or thalassemia.

• Normochromic Anemia: In normochromic anemia, MCHC levels are within the normal range, but anemia is still present. This can occur in conditions with fewer red blood cells or blood loss, such as anemia caused by chronic diseases or acute bleeding. 

Even though the hemoglobin concentration in the cells is expected, the overall number of healthy red blood cells may be low.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on MCHC Results

Abnormal MCHC levels can provide important clues about your red blood cell health and may indicate underlying conditions that require medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when to seek advice is critical to addressing potential issues early.

Symptoms That May Indicate Abnormal MCHC Levels

Specific symptoms can indicate that your MCHC levels are too high or too low, often pointing to anemia or other blood disorders. If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest, can signal that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to low hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells.
• Paleness: Pale skin or a noticeable paleness in your lips, gums, or nail beds can indicate low hemoglobin concentration or fewer healthy red blood cells.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficult breathing, especially during physical activity, can indicate that your red blood cells are not efficiently carrying oxygen.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or faint can also result from low oxygen levels in the blood.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin): In some cases, mainly when MCHC is elevated, jaundice may occur due to the destruction of red blood cells.

These symptoms may develop slowly, so it is essential to pay attention to any ongoing or worsening issues and bring them to your doctor’s attention.

Why It’s Important to Follow Up Abnormal MCHC Results

If your MCHC levels are outside the normal range, further testing is essential to determine the cause and address any underlying issues. Abnormal MCHC results can point to conditions such as:

• Iron deficiency anemia: Low MCHC levels often indicate this common type of anemia, where the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Untreated iron deficiency can lead to more severe health issues.
• Hereditary blood disorders: Conditions like thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis may be revealed through abnormal MCHC results, requiring ongoing management.
• Chronic diseases: Low MCHC can also be linked to chronic conditions like kidney disease or inflammatory disorders, affecting red blood cell production.

Following up with your doctor allows them to perform additional tests, such as iron studies, vitamin levels, or a peripheral blood smear, to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve your overall health.

How MCHC Testing is Done

MCHC testing is a simple and routine part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which helps evaluate your red blood cell health. Here’s what you can expect during the testing process.

How Blood is Collected

For MCHC testing, a small sample of your blood is needed. The quick process typically involves a healthcare professional drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure is simple and usually takes only a few minutes:

• A healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm where the blood will be drawn.
• A tourniquet is placed around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A needle is inserted into the vein to collect a small vial of blood.
• After the sample is taken, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.

The process is usually painless or causes only mild discomfort, such as a slight pinch when the needle is inserted.

Preparation for MCHC Testing

In most cases, no special preparation is required for an MCHC test. Since MCHC is part of a CBC, you can usually eat and drink normally before the test. However, if your doctor has ordered other tests alongside the CBC that require fasting (like a cholesterol test), they will inform you in advance. 

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any specific preparation needed.

How Long to Get MCHC Results

After your blood sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. MCHC results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours depending on the lab's processing time. Some factors that might delay results include high testing volume at the lab or the need for further analysis if initial results are unclear.

In most cases, your doctor will review your MCHC results and other CBC components, and they will contact you with the findings. If further testing is needed based on your MCHC levels, your doctor will guide you on the next steps.

MCHC vs. Other Hematological Indices

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) is one of several vital measurements to assess red blood cell health. It works alongside other indices like MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin), and RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) to provide a comprehensive view of how well your red blood cells are functioning.

MCHC vs. MCV and MCH

• MCHC measures the hemoglobin concentration within a given volume of red blood cells. It helps determine whether your red blood cells have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively.
• MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells. Low MCV values indicate smaller-than-normal cells (microcytic), which is standard in iron deficiency anemia. High MCV values suggest more giant cells (macrocytic), which is often seen in vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia.
• MCH measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. While MCHC focuses on hemoglobin concentration, MCH looks at the total hemoglobin content in individual red blood cells. Together, these measurements help doctors determine whether the red blood cells are too small, too large, or not carrying enough hemoglobin.

For example, low MCV and low MCHC might point to microcytic hypochromic anemia, such as iron deficiency. High MCV with normal MCHC could suggest macrocytic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)

RDW measures the variation in the size of your red blood cells. It helps identify conditions with an unusual mix of small and large red blood cells. RDW is often used alongside MCHC to assess blood disorders more precisely. 

For example, a high RDW combined with a low MCHC might indicate iron deficiency anemia, in which red blood cells are of varying sizes due to uneven production. MCHC, MCV, MCH, and RDW provide a fuller picture of red blood cell health by giving insights into hemoglobin concentration, size, and consistency of red blood cell production.

By examining all these indices together, doctors can more accurately diagnose different types of anemia and other blood disorders and guide appropriate treatment.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

• MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) measures the hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells and is essential for diagnosing anemia and monitoring blood health.
• Abnormally low MCHC levels can indicate conditions like iron deficiency anemia, while high levels may suggest hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
• MCHC is part of a broader blood panel, working alongside other indices like MCV and MCH to provide a comprehensive assessment of red blood cell function and overall blood health.
• Regular monitoring of MCHC helps track the effectiveness of treatments for chronic conditions like anemia, guiding necessary adjustments.
• MCHC testing is quick and simple, often included in a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which provides key insights into red blood cell health and oxygen delivery capacity.