Sage-Tips

What does it mean if MCHC is low and MCV is normal?

When the MCV is low, they are termed microcytic. Erythrocytes containing the normal amount of hemoglobin (normal MCHC) are called normochromic. When the MCHC is abnormally low they are called hypochromic, and when the MCHC is abnormally high, hyperchromic….Procedure.

	MCV	MCHC
Male:	80-95 fl	30-34 gHb/100ml

What does low levels of MCHC mean?

A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone’s red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body.

What is the implication of a low MCH?

A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.

Why MCHC is normal in megaloblastic anemia?

Defects in nuclear maturation, as seen in megaloblastic anemias due to folate or B12 deficiency, result in large oval erythrocytes (macroovalocytes) with a normal hemoglobin content. The MCV and MCH are increased, while the MCHC remains normal.

What are MCHC levels?

MCHC refers to the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. A normal MCHC level for an adult is 31-37 grams per deciliter (g/dL). MCHC values by themselves are not always a sign that a person has any underlying health problems but may prompt a doctor to do further tests.

What does it mean if MCHC is low and MCV is high?

Using MCHC With Other Red Blood Cell Indices For instance, low MCHC and low MCV could indicate iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, or lead poisoning. A high MCHC and low MCV could indicate spherocytosis or sickle cell disease.

What causes pernicious anemia?

A lack of vitamin B12 (vitamin B12 deficiency) causes the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia. Without enough vitamin B12, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, which causes anemia.

When should I be concerned about low MCHC?

In severe cases, anemic hypoxia can occur as a result of low MCHC levels. When MCHC levels are very low, your body could struggle to provide enough oxygen to all its tissues. As a result, these tissues are deprived of oxygen and unable to get rid of carbon dioxide. This can actually become life threatening.

What does it mean when your MCHC is low?

When an MCHC blood tests is conducted and the values are considered low, it indicates that there is low concentration of the protein hemoglobin in the individual’s red blood cells. In this case, the patient’s red blood cells have a pale color or appearance. Low values of MCHC may mean that a patient has thalassemia.

How does iron deficiency anemia affect MCV and MCh levels?

On the other hand, iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia result in lower MCV levels, where your red blood cells are smaller than usual. This is accompanied by lower MCH levels, since small red blood cells have less hemoglobin than regular red blood cells.

What causes low MCHC and B12 levels?

If you aren’t getting enough vitamin B12 or folate, then you may experience vitamin deficiency anemia and low MCHC levels. Some cases of low or high MCHC levels can be genetic. These include conditions like sickle cell anemia, in which your body produces curved red blood cells that don’t live as long as healthy cells.

What are MCH and MCHC red blood cell indices?

MCH and MCHC are red blood cell indices are red blood cell indices, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Here’s what that means. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) explains that your red blood cells are bright red cells that make up about 40 to 45 percent of your blood volume; the rest is plasma, platelets and white blood cells.