What is MCHC?
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is a blood test result in which the amount of hemoglobin in a person’s blood is related to the volume of red blood cells (erythrocytes). MCHC is a parameter measured during blood analysis and shows the ratio of hemoglobin concentration to the volume of red blood cells. This measurement helps determine how full or dense the red blood cells are.
What Should the Normal MCHC Value Be?
The MCHC normal value can vary between laboratories and units of measurement, so exactly which ranges are considered normal depends on the laboratory’s reference ranges. However, there is a generally accepted reference range, which is that the MCHC is approximately 32 to 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
What Does MCHC Height Mean?
Elevated MCHC is generally not considered a sign of a serious health problem. However, if this value is above a certain level, experts can further evaluate this situation by examining other blood values. One of the most common causes of this elevation is associated with a condition known as hemolytic anemia. In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells begin to break down earlier than normal, leading to increased hemoglobin levels and an increased MCHC value. Hemolytic anemia can occur for a number of reasons, such as autoimmune anemia.
Another possible cause is vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. These deficiencies can cause red blood cells to grow differently than normal and produce more hemoglobin. Additionally, a blood disease called hereditary spherocytosis may also cause this value to increase.
If there is no underlying health problem with a high MCHC value, some steps can be taken to support health. By creating a healthy diet, more foods containing vitamin B12 and folate can be included. Additionally, reducing alcohol and cigarette consumption may also help improve this value. However, it is important to consult a specialist to interpret laboratory results such as a high MCHC value and determine treatment options.
What is the Treatment for MCHC Height?
A high MCHC value can be due to many different causes, so treatment for high MCHC is based on identifying the specific cause. Some common causes associated with high MCHC and treatment approaches for these causes can be listed as follows:
Hemolytic Anemia: Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells break down before normal. Treatment is based on determining the underlying cause. For example, immunosuppressive drugs can be used in autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune anemia.
Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency: Elevated MCHC may be due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Treatment of these deficiencies is aimed at correcting the deficiencies. Oral or injectable supplements may be given for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Hereditary Spherocytosis: Inherited blood disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, may require special treatment. Treatment of these diseases is generally aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Other Underlying Causes: Elevated MCHC may also be due to other causes (for example, drug side effects, chronic diseases). It is important to identify and treat these causes.
Treatment may vary depending on each individual’s specific condition and underlying cause. Therefore, when MCHC elevation is diagnosed, a comprehensive evaluation should be performed by a hematologist or specialist physician and an appropriate treatment plan should be determined. An untreated high MCHC value can lead to complications or progression of underlying health problems, so it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What Does Low MCHC Mean?
Low MCHC means that red blood cells contain less hemoglobin than normal. In addition, a low value may indicate the following situations:
- iron deficiency anemia,
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency,
- Thalassemia or other types of genetic anemia,
- Chronic diseases.
Can MCHC Be Deducted?
The MCHC value cannot be reduced because MCHC is a value measured as a laboratory test result and cannot be directly controlled. However, a low MCHC value may be an indicator of an underlying health problem or anemia. Therefore, treating the underlying problem causing the low MCHC value can return MCHC values to normal.
For example, if the MCHC value is low and the cause is iron deficiency anemia, iron levels can be increased and the MCHC value improved with treatments such as iron supplements or consuming iron-containing foods.
How to Calculate MCHC?
The MCHC value can be calculated automatically by blood counting devices or manually if hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) values are known.
The formula used for this calculation is: MCHC = Hgb / Hct x 100.
This formula calculates the ratio of the amount of hemoglobin in the blood to the percentage of hematocrit and obtains the MCHC value. This method is an important tool for better understanding and monitoring laboratory test results.
