MCHC in Blood Report

MCHC In Blood:

MCHC stands for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in blood sample.The MCHC test is also known as MCH blood test which test the levels of haemoglobin in blood.The MCHC is elevated in hereditary spherocytosis,a condition with decreased RBC survival caused by a structural protein defect in the RBC membrane.

How to calculate MCHC ?

MCHC is calculated by the formula 

A MCHC test can be performed along with MCV test.Both levels are used to test people for anaemia.If MCHC test results are high or low it often indicates a problem.

The typical level that is considered normal range of MCHC is 32 to 36 gm/dl.on the basis of normal range there are three types of MCHC levels.

Normochromic:

A condition in which normal amount of haemoglobin present is known as Normochromic.

Hypochromic:

When the MCHC level is abnormally low,condition is called Hypochromic.

Cells with too little haemoglobin are lighter in colour and have low MCHC.The MCHC is low in microcytic, hypochromic anaemias such as iron deficiency ,but is normal in macrocytic anaemias.

Causes:

iron deficiency 

anaemia

thalassemia

internal bleeding

Hyperchromic:

When the MCHC is abnormally high,condition is known as Hyperchromic.

Causes:
hereditary spherocytosis

iron deficiency

folic acid deficiency  

macrocytic anaemia

iron deficiency anaemia

MCV in blood report

MCV :

MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume or mean cell volume. MCV is a measure of the average volume of red blood cells in a blood sample.Mean volume of red blood cells is expressed in fermatoliters (fl=10^-15 liters).

How to Calculate MCV?

Following formula is used to calculate MCV .

MCV = (PCV ÷ RBC) x 10

Laser based haematologic analysers measure MCV accurately.

The reference range for MCV is 80-96 fl/red cell in adult. 

Reference ranges may vary depending on the individual laboratory and patient's age.Red cell populations with the MCV depending on reference range are divided into two conditions.

1-Macrocytosis

2-Microcytosis

and with normal MCV count is termed as normocytic.

Macrocytosis:

Macrocytosis is a condition in which red blood cells become lager than normal(reference range) .Large circulating erythrocytes are not always associated with a pathological condition.In fact RBCs of newborn and infants tend to be larger than normal adult RBCs and large erythrocytes can be seen during pregnancy in the absence of an obvious aetiology.

Causes of Macrocytosis:

• Anemia caused by iron ,vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies
• Inability to coup after severe blood loss
• Reaction to anti convulsing drugs
• Genetic problems
• Thyroid problems
• Liver disorders
• Drugs to counter AIDS

Microcytosis:

Microcytosis means that the average volume of red blood cells is smaller than normal or reference line.

Causes:

It is one of the most dangerous reason that microcytosis occurs is a slowly bleeding or other bleeding problem.Most often these slow bleeding conditions occur in the digestive tract and could be very dangerous if left untreated.Other possible causes of low MCV are

• Low intake of Iron
• Genetic problems
• High alcohol intake
• low intake of vitamin B6
• Exposure to toxins like lead 
• Vitamin C and copper deficiencies
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption problems such as gluten sensitivity

Precaution:

Vitamin replacement should be given by the most appropriate route.

Fatty Liver

Fatty Liver,also known as fatty liver disease (FLD), is a condition where large vacuoles of fat accumulate in liver cells.
A person has a fatty liver when fat makes up at least 5-10% of the liver.Simple fatty liver can be a completely benign condition and usually doesn't lead to liver damage. However, once there is a build-up of simple fat, the liver become vulnerable to further injury which may lead to FLD. 
How does Fat get into Liver?
Malfunctioned metabolic(break down) system is a major cause of fat accumulation.Fat from the diet is usually metabolised by the liver and some other tissues.If the amount exceeds fat will be stored in fatty tissues.Another major reason is inability of liver to change fat into its eliminated form.
Causes of FLD:

• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• pre-Diabetes or Insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood cholesterol level

Other potential causes of FLD are

• medications 
• viral hepatitis
• rapid weight loss
• malnutrition

Types of FLD:
There are two types of FLD

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease which is caused by drinking too much alcohol.
2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease  which is caused by other conditions such as obesity , diabetes etc

Symptoms of FLD:

Fatty Liver Disease often has no symptoms, when it is mild.However patient may feel tired or have pain and discomfort on the right side of the body just under ribs.This pain is caused by a growing amount of fat inside your liver, which makes it expand, stretching  the sensitive membrane that covers the liver. Some other symptoms are

• jundice
• itchy skin
• bruising easily
• confusion or poor memory
• a swollen abdomen(tummy)
• weakness and muscle wasting 
• vomiting and bringing up or passing blood

FLD prevention :
By choosing healthy life style you may prevent obesity.Healthy diet and exercise are important weight loss regimen.Following are some suggestions for preventing FLD

• avoid Alcohol
• choose to lead a healthy life style
• introduce exercise in your routine 
• eat balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fibre

Consult a good doctor.