The MCHC test is used to measure the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte. MCHC refers to the hemoglobin concentration, which is one of the physical characteristics of erythrocytes. Briefly, it expresses the oxygen carrying capacity of erythrocytes. It is used to classify anemia or to clarify erythrocyte diseases. It is also sometimes used to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied treatment.

Blood MCHC Test

Erythrocytes take the oxygen the body needs from the lungs, store it for transport to the tissues, and release it for use when they reach the relevant tissues. Erythrocytes transport free oxygen in the blood by binding to hemoglobin. The MCHC test is used to measure the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte. MCHC refers to the hemoglobin concentration, which is one of the physical characteristics of erythrocytes. Briefly, it expresses the oxygen carrying capacity of erythrocytes. It is used to classify anemia or to clarify erythrocyte diseases. It is also sometimes used to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied treatment.

MCHC is one of a series of erythrocyte indices used to make physical and functional evaluations of erythrocytes. Others are MCH (Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin), MCV (Mean erythrocyte volume) and RDW (Erythrocyte distribution width).

MCHC serves to measure how much of the total volume in an erythrocyte cell is hemoglobin. It produces an average value. Hemogram tests work together with other tests.



MCHC is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin content of erythrocytes by the cell volume. It is expressed as g/dl or percent of red blood cells. Normal values for MCHC are 34 ± 2 g/dl.

Sometimes normal values can be seen if the MCHC value is used especially for the diagnosis of anemia. A normal MCHC value does not indicate that the patient does not have anemia or other diseases. However, abnormal results may indicate negative pathologies. MCHC is generally not used alone and is used and evaluated in conjunction with other indexes such as MCV, Hgb and RDW. For example, if the RDW value is increased in a patient with a high MCHC value, the probability of hereditary spherocytosis is high.

MCHC is usually included in the hemogram tests performed in people who show signs of anemia such as fatigue, weakness, paleness and dizziness. RBCs with a high MCHC concentration will be darker (Hyperchromic), while RBCs with a lower hemoglobin concentration will be paler (hypochromic).

Common conditions with a low MCHC value:

  • Iron deficiency
  • lead poisoning
  • Thalassemias
  • Sideroblastic anemia
  • Anemia of chronic disease

Some conditions where the MCHC value is normal:

  • Anemia due to blood loss
  • Anemia due to kidney disease
  • Mixed anemias
  • Bone marrow failure
  • Hemolytic anemias

Common conditions with a high MCHC value:

  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Hereditary spherocytosis
  • Severe burns
  • Liver disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Hemoglobin C disease

As can be seen, a normal MCHC value does not indicate that the person is healthy. However, the MCHC value is one of the rare tests that can always stay at similar levels between blood tests of the same person.

The MCHC value can sometimes be measured incorrectly. It can be easily affected by errors in other tests. Device defects or influencing agglutinin can change the MCHC value.

 

 


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