MCHC Blood Test (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) blood test measures the concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. It helps assess the overall quality and density of the hemoglobin in the blood.

 

MCHC Blood Test Overview

Also Known As	MCHC Test, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measures Hemoglobin Concentration in Blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Fasting	No
Normal Value	32 - 36 g/dL
Reporting Time	1 to 2 hours
Cost	50 - 220* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

MCHC Blood Test Full Form

Full Form of MCHC Blood Test is Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration Test.

 

MCHC Blood Test Meaning

• MCHC blood test measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.
• The test is often ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used to diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions, such as anemia, liver disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
• MCHC is calculated by multiplying the hemoglobin by 100 and then dividing by the hematocrit result.
• Abnormal MCHC levels may indicate the presence of a medical condition and may require further testing or treatment.

Interesting Facts About Blood

• Blood makes up about 7% to 8% of a person's total body weight.
• Blood is a vital transporter in the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells to various organs and tissues while removing waste products.

 

MCHC Blood Test Purpose

Here are some key purposes of the MCHC blood test:

• To measure the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.
• To help diagnose and monitor various types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia.
• To assess the severity of anemia and help determine the appropriate treatment.
• To screen for certain genetic blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and hemoglobinopathies.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for anemia, such as iron supplementation or blood transfusions.
• To evaluate a person's overall health and detect any underlying medical conditions that may affect blood cell production.
• To assess a person's risk for certain complications, such as cardiovascular disease or stroke, which may be associated with low hemoglobin levels.

 

 

Overall, the MCHC blood test is a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions and can provide important information about a person's overall health and well-being.

 

MCHC Blood Test Preparation

Here are the key points related to the MCHC blood test before, during, and after the test:

 

Before the MCHC blood test:

• No special preparation is typically required before the MCHC blood test.
• It is recommended to inform the healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions.

 

During the MCHC blood test:

• A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a needle.
• The procedure usually takes a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort or a mild stinging sensation.

 

After the MCHC blood test:

• There are usually no specific restrictions or precautions necessary after the MCHC blood test.
• It is normal to feel a small bruise or mild soreness at the site where the blood was drawn.
• The test results are typically available within a few days, and the healthcare provider will review and interpret them with the patient.

 

Note: It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions related to the MCHC blood test, and consult them with any questions or concerns.

 

MCHC Blood Test Procedure

The MCHC blood test is a simple and routine test that involves the following steps:

• The healthcare provider will ask you to sit down and expose your arm.
• They will clean the skin over the vein with an antiseptic solution and apply a tourniquet above the area to be tested. This helps to enlarge the veins and make them more visible.
• A needle attached to a syringe will be inserted into your vein, usually in the inner elbow or the back of your hand. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation.
• The healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood into the syringe and then remove the needle.
• They will apply pressure and a cotton ball or gauze to the puncture site to stop the bleeding and prevent bruising.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, a bandage or adhesive strip will be applied to the puncture site.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

 

The procedure usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward. However, it's normal to experience slight soreness or bruising at the puncture site, which usually goes away in a few days. If you experience any persistent pain or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.

 

MCHC Blood Test Report

MCHC Blood Test Report PDF

 

MCHC Test Normal Report

MCHC Normal Test Report PDF Format

MCHC Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

MCHC Test Abnormal Report

MCHC Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

MCHC Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

MCHC Blood Test Normal Range

Here is a table summarizing the normal range for MCHC:

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)	Normal Range
MCHC	32 - 36 g/dL

Note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific equipment used to perform the test. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss any abnormalities or concerns with you.

 

MCHC Blood Test Interpretation

Here is a table outlining the MCHC result interpretation:

MCHC Range (g/dL)	Interpretation
32-36	Normal
<32	Hypochromia or hypochromic anemia
>36	Hyperchromia or hyperchromic anemia

 

Abnormally Low MCHC

Values below 32 g/dL are considered in the low spectrum and may indicate one of the following:

• Blood loss
• Iron deficiency
• Hypochromic anemia

 

Elevated MCHC

Values over 36 g/dL are considered high and may indicate spherocytosis. Other indications of hyperchromic erythrocytes include:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folic acid deficiency
• Hyperchromic anemia

 

Specimen Requirments For MCHC Blood Test

Here are the specimen requirements for MCHC Blood Test.

Specimen	Whole Blood
Volume	4 ml
Container	Lavender Top Tube Container

 

MCHC Blood Test High

Here is a table summarizing the possible causes of high MCHC levels in a blood test:

Possible Causes of High MCHC Levels	Description
Hemolytic anemia	A condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than they are produced, leading to anemia and high MCHC levels.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia	A type of hemolytic anemia in which the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to anemia and high MCHC levels.
Spherocytosis	A genetic disorder in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped, leading to anemia and high MCHC levels.
Dehydration or hemoconcentration	A condition in which there is a decreased amount of fluid in the bloodstream, leading to a concentration of red blood cells and high MCHC levels.
Hereditary spherocytosis	An inherited condition that causes red blood cells to be spherical and fragile, leading to anemia and high MCHC levels.
Liver disease or obstructive jaundice	Conditions that affect the liver's ability to produce or excrete bilirubin, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream and high MCHC levels.
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy	Treatment for autoimmune disorders can lead to a temporary increase in MCHC levels.
Certain medications, such as diuretics	Some medications can affect red blood cell size and concentration, leading to high MCHC levels.

 

MCHC Blood Test Low

Here is a table summarizing the possible causes of low MCHC levels in a blood test:

Possible Causes of Low MCHC Levels	Description
Iron deficiency anemia	A condition in which the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, leading to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Thalassemia	A genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Chronic disease	Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause anemia and low MCHC levels.
Blood loss	Acute or chronic blood loss can lead to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Nutritional deficiencies	Deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, and folate can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell anemia	Genetic conditions that affect hemoglobin production and can lead to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Bone marrow disorders, such as aplastic anemia	Conditions that affect the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells can lead to anemia and low MCHC levels.
Hemorrhagic shock	A condition in which severe bleeding leads to a rapid drop in blood pressure, which can cause anemia and low MCHC levels.

Note that this table is not exhaustive and other factors may also contribute to low MCHC levels. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss any concerns or necessary follow-up with you.

 

Is MCHC Blood Test Is Safe?

Yes, MCHC blood test is generally considered safe. Here are some key points:

• MCHC blood test is a routine blood test that is commonly performed in a laboratory setting.
• It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves collecting a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm using a needle.
• There is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, but these complications are rare.
• Most people experience little to no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• If you are taking any blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder, you should inform your healthcare provider before the test.
• Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss any concerns or necessary follow-up with you.
• Overall, MCHC blood test is considered safe and is an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

 

When Do You Get MCHC Blood Test Results?

• The time it takes to get MCHC blood test results can vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare facility where the test was performed.
• In general, the results are typically available within 1 to 2 hours.

 

MCHC Blood Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the MCHC Blood Test.

• Limited in providing specific information about underlying causes of abnormalities.
• Influence of factors like hydration status and recent blood transfusion.
• Cannot diagnose specific blood disorders or diseases.

 

MCHC Blood Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the MCHC Blood Test.

• Risk of infection or bleeding at the blood draw site.
• Potential for discomfort or bruising during the procedure.
• Rare allergic reactions to the needle or antiseptic used.

 

Doctor Recommendations After MCHC Blood Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after MCHC Blood Test.

MCHC Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Hematologist	Rule out underlying blood disorders
Normal	General Doctor	No specific reason, general check-up
Low	General Doctor	Investigate possible causes of anemia

 

MCHC Blood Test Price

Here are the estimated MCHC Blood Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	50 - 220
New Delhi	100 - 220
Bangalore	50 - 220
Hyderabad	100 - 220
Kolkata	50 - 220
Pune	100 - 220
Lucknow	100 - 220
Noida	50 - 220
Surat	100 - 220
Gurugram	50 - 220
Patna	100 - 220
Chennai	100 - 220
Jaipur	50 - 220
Ahmedabad	100 - 220

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall MCHC blood test helps to concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells and is used to diagnose and monitor various types of anemia and assess a person's overall health. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Clark MR. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and cell deformability. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1989; 565:284-94 [1].
• Huang YL, Hu ZD. Lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is associated with poorer outcomes in intensive care unit admitted patients with acute myocardial infarction. Ann Transl Med. 2016; 4(10): 190 [2].