What is this test?
- This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the average concentration of hemoglobin within a red blood cell. MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. MCHC is also a part of Complete blood count.
Why is this test performed?
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration test is performed for various reasons:
- To diagnose diseases that affect hemoglobin or red blood cells
- It is used to diagnose different types of anemia
- It is used to diagnose the severity of anemia
- It is used to find the cause of anemia
- It is used to evaluate the clinical response of an anemic patient to therapy.
- What is MCHC?
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the average hemoglobin concentration present inside a red blood cell.
- What is hypochromic anemia?
Hypochromic anemia is a type of anemia in which the center of red blood cells is paler than normal, this results in decreased redness. It is due to low MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). Decreased hemoglobin concentration in red blood cell results in increased paleness.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test.
- What is the difference between MCH and MCHC?
MCV is the average weight of hemoglobin in individual erythrocytes while MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes.
Normal range: 33.4-35.5 g/dL
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of High MCHC:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Liver disease.
Causes of Low MCHC
- Iron deficiency
- Thalassemia
- Chronic blood loss
- Urinary tract infection