What does a low MCHC mean in a blood test?

What does a low MCHC mean in a blood test?

A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone's red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body.

Is low MCHC bad?

Low MCHC. A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) can cause hypochromia, or paler red blood cells. Hypochromia is a sign of anemia [2]. However, a result that is slightly lower may not be of medical significance, as this test often varies from day to day and from person to person.

What does high MCHC mean?

A high MCHC value is often present in conditions where hemoglobin is more concentrated within your red blood cells. It can also occur in conditions where red blood cells are fragile or destroyed, leading to hemoglobin being present outside of the red blood cells.

What causes high MCHC in blood test?

Causes of a High MCHC A high MCHC means that hemoglobin is more concentrated than usual and may occur in a few ways. For instance, hemoglobin becomes more concentrated when red blood cells break down. MCHC is often increased in people who smoke. 10 MCHC may also be falsely increased due to cold agglutinin disease.

Is autoimmune hemolytic anemia serious?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a group of rare but serious blood disorders. They occur when the body destroys red blood cells more rapidly than it produces them. A condition is considered idiopathic when its cause is unknown. Autoimmune diseases attack the body itself.

How do you treat low MCH?

Treatment for low MCH caused by iron deficiency can include adding iron-rich foods to your diet (there are even vegetarian options) and taking iron supplements. In rare cases, such as when symptoms are severe or blood loss has occurred, you may need a blood transfusion.

Can you have low MCHC but normal hemoglobin?

Your MCHC can fall into low, normal, and high ranges even if your red blood cell count is normal. The MCHC basically tells you whether your red blood cells have more or less hemoglobin than what would be expected.

What cancers cause high MCH levels?

High MCH Levels Having an MCH level above 31 picograms/cell is most commonly associated with the following conditions: Certain types of kidney diseases, including kidney cancer. Congenital heart defect. Lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis4.

Does high MCHC mean anemia?

Causes of high MCHC include: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: This is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells. Sometimes, high MCHC develops on its own, but it can also occur alongside lupus or lymphoma. It can also happen as a result of taking certain medications.

What happens if MCH count is high?

High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body.