The MCHC blood test is often ordered as part of a complete blood count. This test may be ordered as part of an annual physical exam to verify good health or if there are specific symptoms that are bothersome. This test looks at the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and may be ordered on its own, as part of a red blood cell count, or within a complete panel.
If a patient is dealing with issues that involve infections, inflammation, or has ongoing fatigue or weakness that is problematic, then this test may be ordered with a complete blood count to determine its cause or the severity of the issue at hand. It will also be used as a monitoring tool if there is an issue with a person’s red blood cells that has already been documented.
When To See a Doctor About the MCHC Blood Test
The most common reason to order the MCHC blood test is because of a suspected iron deficiency. Anemia caused by an iron deficiency can have very mild signs and symptoms during its early stage and this stage can last for several months or even years in some instances. When the iron deficiency worsens, however, then the anemia worsens and the symptoms will increase.
People suffering from an iron deficiency may suffer from frequent infections, high levels of fatigue, and have pale skin. Some people describe a feeling of weakness or having a shortness of breath. Headaches may come and go, there may be chest pain, and there may be frequent bouts of dizziness. Cold hands and feet may happen, there may be a poor appetite, and in children there may be a craving to eat items like dirt or starch.
If you suspect an iron deficiency because of the symptoms being experienced, then it is important to discuss this issue with your doctor. Taking iron supplements can rectify the anemia, but these signs and symptoms may be caused by something else and iron toxicity can be equally dangerous. This is when the MCHC blood test will be ordered.
Certain congenital disorders can also be detected by the MCHC blood test. These disorders may cause an enlarged spleen, jaundice, and a shortage of red blood cells.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
For children, test results are based on biological variability. The medical provider will need to use a reference range that is based on the unique medical history of the child receiving the MCHC blood test. This is true for all children up to 18 years of age.
In adults the normal range is 33.4-35.5 g/dL if conventional units are being used by the laboratory. If SI units are being used to report results [which happens frequently outside the United States], then normal test results are 334-355 g/dL.
It is important to note that there are many different conditions that can increase or decrease the number of cells that exist in a random sample. Sometimes the issues that cause an abnormal MCHC blood test result will resolve on their own. At other times, a treatment plan may be required to counter the issue the blood test discovered.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Most people with an abnormal MCHC blood test will have an iron deficiency as the cause of the problem. Although just 3% of men have an iron deficiency, 1 in 5 women struggle with this problem and half of all pregnant women will have an abnormal test result. Many of these issues can be solved with simple dietary changes. Look to include foods that are rich in heme iron. Shellfish is especially rich, while cooked turkey and beef are also good sources.
Nonheme iron is available in supplements and vegetarian food sources, but the body doesn’t process this iron as efficiently. If there is a deficiency present, even chicken, halibut, or veal may be a better solution than lentils, spinach, or fortified foods. Taking vitamin C with any iron source can help the body to better absorb the amount that is needed.
Iron is stored in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver, so when they are full, iron toxicity can occur. That’s why it is important to speak with your doctor before starting any home treatment. An iron supplement or multivitamin with iron may also be recommended or prescribed by the treating doctor. Other health issues outside of an iron deficiency will be treated based on the signs, symptoms, and cause of the problem that created the abnormal MCHC blood test.