MCHC Blood Test: MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood. The most common abnormality found in a complete blood count is anemia.
What Is MCHC Blood Test Or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration?
The complete blood count is one of the most frequently requested laboratory tests in medical practice. This test measures the blood cells produced in the bone marrow that are in circulation (peripheral blood). The three populations of cells are leukocytes, erythrocytes or red blood cells, and platelets.
Within the study of each population, a series of values are determined. Regarding the red series or erythrocytes (red cells), the erythrocyte indices indicate how much an erythrocyte measures in volume, weight, and its hemoglobin concentration. These indices are measured directly by introducing the blood sample (analysis) into the auto analyzers, obtaining the results automatically and quickly.
One of these indices is the CHCM. The acronym MCHC corresponds to Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration. It is a parameter that results from dividing the Hb in the blood (g/l) by the hematocrit: Hb/hto. It is expressed as a percentage or in grams over deciliters and represents the mean concentration of hemoglobin in each erythrocyte.
Approximate MCHC Reference Values (G/Dl)
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How Is MCHC Interpreted In The Blood Count?
It is essential to carry out a structured assessment of the blood count, interpreting it in its entirety, considering the clinical context and the age of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to assess the data obtained through an adequate history and a thorough clinical examination of the patient. If there are clear discrepancies with the analytical parameters, it is advisable to repeat the study.
The MCC should be assessed and requested in the context of the complete blood count since as isolated data it does not provide data on the diagnosis.
MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood. The most common abnormality found in a blood count is anemia. The use of certain parameters such as MCV (size) and MCHC (chromium) allows guidance on the cause and also classifies anemia into types (for example, normocytic, microcytic, hypochromic, macrocytic… etc).
Elevated MCHC
The MCHC is elevated when there is dehydration of the erythrocytes, as in certain hematological diseases such as hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell disease.
Low MCHC
It may be decreased in anemia, especially in iron deficiency anemia, which is the most frequent. Also in other types of anemia such as aplastic or hemolytic.
How Is Altered MCHC Treated?
Alteration of this value is not treated on an individual basis. It is used to study and establish the type of anemia or underlying disease. Once the cause is known, it is what is treated, which normalizes the blood count and the altered parameters due to that disease.
What you should know…
- MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood. The most common abnormality found in a blood count is anemia.
- It may be decreased in anemia, especially in iron deficiency anemia, which is the most frequent. Also in other types of anemia such as aplastic or hemolytic.
- Once the cause is known, it is what is treated, which normalizes the blood count and the altered parameters due to that disease.
