Have you ever wondered what blood test results actually mean? Maybe you’ve had your blood drawn for an annual checkup or a specialist visit. While your healthcare provider might give you a quick explanation or send a message through the patient portal, they often don’t have time to go in-depth about why the test was performed or what the numbers truly mean. This is when educating yourself comes in handy.
One result to take note of is Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). The MCHC blood test measures the average concentration of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from your lungs to other tissues. It’s usually ordered to assess the function of RBCs and check for signs of anemia and other blood-related disorders.
Understanding your MCHC levels is helpful for early detection of an underlying condition and a crucial step in maintaining your overall health.
What is MCHC?
“The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the concentration of hemoglobin in the cytoplasm of red blood cells,” says Donald Karcher, MD, FACP, a board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologist and hematopathologist.
Because hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to your tissues, its concentration influences how oxygen reaches your cells, explains Dr. Karcher. MCHC is calculated by dividing hemoglobin by hematocrit—the percentage of RBCs in your blood, and is measured in values of grams per liter (g/dL).
The MCHC Blood Test Procedure
A healthcare provider—typically a nurse or phlebotomist—performs a blood draw through venipuncture (a needle inserted into the vein in your arm). The sample is then run through an automated blood counter to be analyzed to measure different components of your blood, including MCHC.
Since MCHC is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, a group of blood tests that measure the number and size of the different cells in your blood, you won’t need a separate test to measure it.
Normal MCHC Ranges
According to Sadia Saeed, MD, an internal medicine physician at Welzo, the normal MCHC range is 32 to 36 g/dL, but Dr. Karcher adds that some labs set the range at 30 to 34 g/dL. Newborns and children typically have slightly lower MCHC levels.
High MCHC Levels (Hyperchromia)
High MCHC levels are called hyperchromia, which means your RBCs have more hemoglobin than normal, making them appear darker in color.
“[Hyperchromia] is less common but may happen in conditions [including]hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune hemolytic anemia,” Dr. Saeed says. She adds that red blood cells may have an abnormal shape or be destroyed too early in these blood disorders.
Hereditary spherocytosis may cause the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle aches and pain
- Rash
Some of the symptoms associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Jaundice
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
High MCHC levels are detectable through a CBC blood test.
There’s no cure for hereditary spherocytosis, but it’s manageable with folic supplementation, blood transfusions, and in severe cases, splenectomy (spleen removal) to increase the survival of RBCs.
First-line treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia typically involves corticosteroids, such as prednisone. If medications are ineffective, a splenectomy or blood transfusion may be necessary.
Severe burns are another potential cause for high MCHC levels, typically treated with blood transfusions to restore RBCs.
Low MCHC Levels (Hypochromia)
Dr. Saeed explains that low MCHC levels, or hypochromia, mean your red blood cells have less color than usual when examined under the microscope. It occurs when there’s not enough of the pigment that carries hemoglobin into the red blood cells.
Conditions linked to hypochromia include:
- Iron deficiency anemia: A common type of anemia from low iron levels.
- Thalassemia: An inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin and healthy RBCs than normal.
- Sideroblastic anemia: A rare type of anemia where bone marrow can’t produce healthy red blood cell counts, potentially leading to iron overload.
- Inflammation from chronic conditions: Long-term infections, liver disease or kidney disease, or cancer can lower MCHC.
Most symptoms of low MCHC relate to iron deficiency anemia, such as:
- Jaundice
- Unexplained fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Brittle nails or hair loss
A CBC blood test can detect hypochromia or low MCHC levels. Hypochromia treatment can involve iron supplements or infusions if you can’t tolerate or absorb iron. For severe anemia with heavy blood loss, a blood transfusion may be recommended.
A severe complication of low MCHC levels is anemic hypoxia, which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to other tissues. Supplemental oxygen can treat ongoing hypoxia.
Symptoms Associated with Abnormal MCHC Levels
Many symptoms of high or low MCHC overlap with general anemia symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent infections
- Heart palpitations
- Pale skin
- Pulsatile tinnitus (a rare form of tinnitus)
- Headache
You might also experience jaundice, fever, rash, or muscle aches, depending on the underlying cause of abnormal MCHC levels.
Interpreting Your MCHC Results
Your MCHC blood test levels are just one part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. It’s used in conjunction with other CBC values to analyze your blood, such as:
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures RBC size
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Measures the amount of hemoglobin per RBC
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Measures variation in RBC size
If you have difficulty understanding the different values or need help interpreting MCHC blood test results, please reach out to your healthcare provider for assistance.
When to See a Doctor
Here’s when to see a doctor for blood test results of MCHC levels:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained changes in skin color
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
These may signal abnormal MCHC blood test levels or another underlying problem. It’s important to stay on top of your health by getting regular checkups and bloodwork for early detection.
MCHC measures the average amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. A normal MCHC is between 32 and 36 g/dL. MCHC levels outside this range may indicate different types of anemia or other blood disorders. Understanding your MCHC levels and other values within a CBC test can help you stay informed about your health.
Please consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your MCHC blood test results. They can help you interpret them and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments to improve your levels.
And if you haven’t already, schedule your annual checkup to get your bloodwork, vital signs, and other examinations to check in with your health.
MCHC Blood Test FAQs
What does MCHC stand for in a blood test?
MCHC is an acronym for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, which measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in a volume of red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of high MCHC?
Symptoms of high MCHC blood test levels include chills, fever, abdominal pain, muscle aches and pain, and rashes.
Can low MCHC be cured?
Yes, low MCHC levels are treatable with iron supplements, medications, or blood transfusions.
How often should I get a CBC test?
You should get a CBC test once a year during your annual physical exam.
Can diet affect my MCHC levels?
Yes, diet can affect your MCHC levels, especially if you’re low in iron or certain vitamins needed to produce healthy red blood cells.