MCHC BLOOD TEST
Dr. Spurti Kattimani Last Updated on 11th February 2022Table of contents
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What is MCHC blood test used for?
An MCHC blood test is frequently part of the CBC test and is generally performed as a routine health checkup. MCHC test is performed to diagnose and monitor the progress of disorders that affect the concentration of hemoglobin like iron deficiency anemia, inflammatory disorders, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, and spherocytosis.
What is included in MCHC blood test?
The MCHC blood test measures the following parameters-
Hemoglobin test– measures the amount of hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein, in the blood.
Hematocrit test– measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. The blood comprises three types of cells- red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet cells.
Based on the above results, the MCHC level is calculated.
Procedure for MCHC blood test
The MCHC blood test is like other routinely performed blood tests.
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the area where the blood will be drawn from using an antiseptic solution.
- A small amount of blood will be drawn by inserting the needle into the vein.
- The collected blood sample will be transferred to a small vial or test tube. The sample will then be sent to a partner lab for further processing.
- Slight pain may be experienced in the arm when the needle is inserted into the vein. However, the pain will fade off quickly. Some individuals may also experience redness and swelling at the needle insertion site.
- The procedure usually lasts for about 5-10 minutes.
How to prepare for MCHC blood test?
No special preparations are required for MCHC blood test. However, if additional blood tests are performed along with the MCHC blood test, overnight fasting may be necessary for some instances (like fasting blood glucose test).
Things to consider after an MCHC blood test is complete
No special considerations or precautions are needed once the test is complete. Check for the test status on the MFine mobile app or website. Once the results are available, download the report and discuss it with your doctor. The doctor may recommend additional tests to be performed based on the report of the MCHC blood test.
*What types of disease can an MCHC blood test detect?
The MCHC blood test can aid in diagnosing disorders that affect the concentration of hemoglobin in blood cells like iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary or autoimmune spherocytosis.
How much does MCHC blood test cost?*
The cost of MCHC blood test varies across different parts of India. The starting price of the MCHC blood test costs anywhere between 40 rupees and 200 rupees.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for MCHC blood test?
You can expect to get the results for an MCHC blood test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal MCHC blood test results indicate?
Typical results in the MCHC blood test indicate concentration of hemoglobin per red cell. An abnormal result in the MCHC blood test indicates variation in hemoglobin concentration. Hemoglobin is a pigmented protein in red blood cells giving them the typical color.
A lower MCHC value indicates a reduced concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells, and hence, decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells. As hemoglobin concentration is reduced, red blood cells are less pigmented known as Hypochromic. A low MCHC can occur in the following conditions-
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Bleeding (acute or chronic) due to trauma, surgery, menstruation, etc.
- Lead poisoning
- Kidney failure
- Thalassemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
A higher MCHC value (hyperchromic) indicates the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells is higher than usual and is associated with the following conditions-
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Spherocytosis
- Liver disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Severe burns
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is MCHC blood test a definitive test?
No, the MCHC test is not a definitive test. The result of the MCHC test is usually interpreted in conjunction with other red blood indices like MCH and MCV to make an accurate diagnosis of existing blood disorders.
How to read the MCHC blood test report?
Once the MCHC blood test result is available, it is advised to consult your doctor to discuss the results. However, the following values can be referred to for interpretation.
Population | Reference range in g/dL | Reference range in % |
Adult/Elderly/Child | 32-36 g/dL | 32-36 % |
Newborn | 32-33 g/dL | 32-33 % |
Why book MCHC blood test?
- To screen or monitor patients with disorders affecting hemoglobin concentrations like iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, and spherocytosis.
- To monitor and evaluate individuals receiving treatment for the above disorders.
- To monitor the health status of an individual as part of routine health check-up.
MCHC blood test at home – how does it work?
The MCHC blood test is just like any other blood test. A trained phlebotomist visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The phlebotomist first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The phlebotomist then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with an MCHC blood test?
The MCHC blood test does not involve any serious risks or injuries. Like other routinely performed blood tests, some individuals may experience pain, swelling, and redness at the site of needle insertion.
What can affect the results of an MCHC blood test?
The MCHC blood test result is not affected by fasting or the presence of food.
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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Is the phlebotomist coming for the MCHC blood test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our phlebotomists are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail of a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my MCHC blood test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on an MCHC blood test?
Usually, you can avail yourself of up to 50% discount on an MCHC blood test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What are the symptoms of abnormal MCHC levels?
The symptoms of abnormal MCHC levels are primarily attributed to the underlying disease conditions like iron deficiency anemia (low MCHC level) or hemolytic anemia (high MCHC level)
Some symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include-
- Fatigue
- Chronic tiredness
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of stamina
Some symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia include-
- Paleness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Fainting
- Enlarged spleen
What other blood tests are recommended along with the MCHC blood test?
MCHC blood test is usually part of CBC test. The CBC test generally consists of the following tests-
- Red blood cell (RBC) count – measures the number of RBCs present in a unit volume of blood.
- White blood cell (WBC) count– measures the number of WBCs present in a unit volume of blood.
- WBC differential– This test provides information about the proportions of different WBCs in blood. There are 5 different types of WBCs., basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, each destined to perform specific functions in the human body.
- Hemoglobin– estimates the amount of oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, in the blood.
- Platelet count– measures the number of platelets in a unit volume of blood.
- Hematocrit- estimates the proportion of RBCs present in the blood.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)– estimates the average size of RBCs.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)– calculates the amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
How does the MCHC blood test work?
The MCHC blood test is performed to determine the average concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. A small amount of blood would be taken, and it will be sent to the partner lab for analysis to determine hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. From the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the MCHC value will be calculated. Usually, the MCHC test is part of the CBC test and, hence, other tests like RBC count, WBC count, WBC differential, MCV, MCH, etc., would be performed along with the MCHC test.
How are abnormal MCHC levels treated or managed?
Deviation from the normal MCHC level is generally because of an underlying disease. Hence, depending upon the underlying medical condition, medications or dietary changes would be initiated by the doctor. For example, a low MCHC level is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Your doctor would suggest iron and vitamin B12 supplements or foods rich in iron and vitamin B12. Some foods rich in iron include spinach, peas, beans, seafood, red meat, etc. Food rich in vitamin B12 includes bananas, salmon, sweet potato, spinach, etc.
Similarly, treatment of high MCHC levels also depends on the underlying medical condition. Corticosteroids are mostly prescribed for treating autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In severe cases, immunosuppressive therapy (to suppress the immune system) or splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) would be performed.
Do not self-diagnose and treat these conditions. Consult your treating doctor for correct interpretation of the results and treatment.
What are red blood cell indices?
Red blood cell indices are parameters that provide information regarding the shape, size, and quality of red blood cells. The four types of red blood cell indices are MCV, MCH, MCHC, and red cell distribution width (RDW)
- The MCV provides information regarding the average size of your RBCs.
- MCH provides information regarding the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
- MCHC estimates the hemoglobin concentration in your blood.
- RDW measures the variations in the size of your RBCs.
Your doctor would recommend this test as a part of a general routine health check or if you exhibit symptoms suggesting anemia like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, etc. The results from the red blood indices are used in conjunction with other blood tests for differential diagnosis of anemia.
Does the MCHC blood test require any preparations?
No. The MCHC blood test does not require any special preparations. The presence of food does not affect the results of the MHCH test. However, overnight fasting may be required if your doctor recommends other blood tests like fasting blood glucose.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.