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
