What does the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration - MCHC blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. It's calculated by dividing the hemoglobin by the hematocrit. This test is useful in diagnosing various types of anemia and assessing the severity of iron deficiency. It helps differentiate between hypochromic anemias (where MCHC is low) and normochromic anemias (where MCHC is normal). MCHC is also used to monitor the response to treatments for anemia and other blood disorders. Unlike other red blood cell indices, MCHC is less affected by changes in blood volume, making it a reliable indicator of hemoglobin concentration.
A low MCHC indicates hypochromic anemia, where red blood cells contain less hemoglobin than normal. This is often seen in iron deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia. It can also occur in thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production. Low MCHC may suggest inadequate iron intake, poor iron absorption, or chronic blood loss. In some cases, it might indicate lead poisoning or sideroblastic anemia. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include iron supplementation or dietary changes.
A high MCHC is less common but can indicate spherocytosis, a condition where red blood cells are sphere-shaped instead of disc-shaped. This can be hereditary or acquired. High MCHC may also be seen in some cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body’s immune system destroys its own red blood cells. In rare cases, it might be due to cold agglutinin disease or severe burns. Sometimes, a falsely elevated MCHC can result from laboratory errors or the presence of high levels of lipids in the blood. Further testing is usually required to determine the underlying cause.