The MCHC blood test is critical in the Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel process. To understand the MCHC normal range, MCHC normal range female, MCHC normal range male, MCHC normal range in child, and MCHC normal range in pregnancy, one needs to contact their nearest lab or clinic to gain information regarding their health condition. The MCHC test measures the average concentration of haemoglobin present in the red blood cells in relation to the cell volume. Haemoglobin plays a pivotal role in transporting oxygen throughout the human body.

What is an MCHC?

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) refers to the average concentration of haemoglobin inside red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, which is essential for the growth and functioning of organs and tissues. Also, MCHC blood tests can serve as a baseline for diagnosing anaemia.

Purpose of the MCHC Blood Test

MCHC is one of the innumerable metrics used to determine the function and health of RBCs and detect symptoms of anaemia and other blood diseases. A healthcare provider may ask to do a MCHC test if a patient experiences symptoms of anaemia such as dizziness, fatigue, or pale skin or is being evaluated for various underlying causes of anaemia.

It is also typically used in conjunction with the red blood cell count and other red blood cell indices to assist in the diagnosis of other health conditions, such as lead poisoning, polycythaemia vera, thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and spherocytosis.

MCHC Normal Range

MCHC’s normal range for adults and children is 32 to 36 grams per decilitre (g/dL) or 320 to 360 grams per litre (g/L).

1. High MCHC Levels

There are several potential causes of high MCHC. It usually occurs in people with conditions that cause the red blood cells to become more fragile. Causes may include:

• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its red blood cells
• High MCHC sometimes develops on its own
• Occurs alongside lupus or lymphoma
• Due to certain medications such as corticosteroids, diuretics, penicillin, cephalosporins, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Treatment for high MCHC Levels

Treatment for high MCHC depends on the underlying cause. Doctors typically treat AIHA with corticosteroids such as prednisone. Initially, doctors may prescribe a high dose and then lower it over time. In severe cases of haemolytic anaemia, doctors may even recommend removing the spleen. They may prescribe immunosuppressant medications such as corticosteroids (prednisone), azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and rituximab for relapsing AIHA when other treatments are unsuccessful. People with macrocytic anaemia and hereditary spherocytosis must increase vitamin B12 and folate levels.

2. Low MCHC Levels

In cases of low MCHC, where the value drops to anything below 32 g/dL, it can be an indicator of anaemia, an overactive thyroid, or a liver disease. One of the most common complications with low MCHC are:

• A lack of energy and decreased stamina limit one’s activities. 
• In certain cases of low MCHC, anaemic hypoxia can occur, where the body struggles to provide enough oxygen to all its tissues.

Treatment for low MCHC Levels

Treatment for low MCHC depends on the underlying cause and can include:

• Supplements like iron or dietary supplements to increase iron and vitamin B levels
• Prescription iron treatments or immunosuppressants
• Iron-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, fish, red meat, and chickpeas
• Foods high in vitamin B12, like eggs, dairy turkey, and yoghurt
• Blood transfusion can help increase the red blood cell count in the blood
• Bone marrow transplant can replace the full blood-forming cells with healthy cells
• Regular exercise, including strength training and aerobics, can improve blood circulation and increase red blood cell count

Uses of the MCHC Blood Test

MCHC is a component of a complete blood count (CBC) and provides information about the concentration of haemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells.

Important uses of the MCHC blood test are as follows:

• To diagnose anaemia: Anaemia is a condition characterised by a reduced number of red blood cells or a low haemoglobin concentration. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness. The MCHC test helps determine the type and severity of anaemia.
• Assessing haemoglobin: The primary purpose of the MCHC test is to evaluate the haemoglobin concentration within red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood, and assessing its concentration helps understand the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
• To identify Haematological disorders: Abnormal MCHC levels could mean certain haematological disorders. Extremely high or low MCHC levels can be associated with conditions like thalassaemia, vitamin deficiencies or haemoglobinopathies.
• To differentiate anaemia types: MCHC levels, along with other red blood cell indices, help distinguish between various types of anaemia. For example, in conditions like hereditary spherocytosis, MCHC levels may be higher, whereas in iron-deficiency anaemia, MCHC levels may be lower.
• To monitor treatment: Regular MCHC tests for individuals undergoing anaemia or treatment for related conditions help monitor the effectiveness of interventions such as iron supplementation or other therapies aimed at addressing the underlying cause.
• Preoperative evaluation: MCHC levels can be determined as part of preoperative blood testing to ensure that those undergoing surgery have optimal oxygen-carrying capacity and to identify any underlying anaemia that might affect the surgical outcome.

Procedure of the MCHC Test

MCHC is measured during a complete blood count (CBC), a common test for analysing blood quality. A CBC test is usually part of a routine health test and is essential for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of underlying conditions and diseases. If a person shows signs and symptoms of anaemia, doctors recommend that they get the MCHC test done. Anaemia, a common blood disorder, occurs when the body doesn’t produce healthy RBC, a condition in which oxygen doesn’t get delivered enough to the organs and tissues.

The MCHC test is a quick procedure that often takes five minutes or less. A full blood draw is required to produce accurate results. A licensed medical professional generally conducts it, and the test results are analysed in a lab. The price of the MCHC test depends on the test location and whether one has health insurance coverage.

Preparations for an MCHC Test

A few points that individuals can remember before going for an MCHC test include:

• Staying hydrated
• Wearing loose clothing for ease of blood drawn from the inner elbow
• Informing the doctor about any medications
• Managing anxiety if one has a fear of needles

MCHC Results Interpretation

An interpretation of the MCHC test result indicates haemoglobin concentration within red blood cells. The normal range typically is between 32-36 g/dL. A low MCHC suggests iron deficiency anaemia, while a high MCHC indicates conditions like hereditary spherocytosis or certain anaemia types, depending on other blood test parameters.

Risks Associated with the MCHC Test

The blood test is generally safe with minimal risk. However, there could be a few risks involved or minor side effects of an MCHC test:

• Infection
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Feeling pain
• Getting a bruise

In rare cases, a person may experience nausea, persistent bleeding, or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.

Limitations of MCHC Testing

Other than the risks involved, as mentioned above, there are a few limitations as well:

• Being non-specific in cases such as abnormal MCHC results does not always provide a clear diagnosis.
• Errors in collecting blood samples may lead to inaccurate results.
• Instrument errors can also lead to inaccurate results.
• A few substances in the blood, like lipids and bilirubin, can affect the test results.
• Certain medications can impact blood concentration, influencing MCHC results.
• With two different kinds of anaemia, the MCHC test result may not be able to diagnose the type of anaemia.

Conclusion

The MCHC test measures the haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells to diagnose anaemia and other blood disorders. Regular MCHC testing will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, promoting overall good health.