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.
What if MCV MCH and MCHC are low?
The RBC count, hematocrit level, MCV, MCH and MCHC might also be low in
patients with anemia
. Low RBC counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can be caused by other things too, such as a lot of bleeding or malnutrition (not enough nutrients in the food eaten).
What does it mean when MCV and MCH are low?
Common conditions resulting in a
hypochromic microcytic anemia
(low MCV and MCH) include thalassemia and iron deficiency; and, less commonly, anemias associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, genetic determinants for Hb C, congenital defects in copper metabolism, some forms of sideroblastic anemia, and other …
What happens if MCH and MCHC is low?
The most common complication of living with low MCHC levels is
lack of energy and decreased stamina
. This can limit your activities. 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.
What does low MCV MCH MCHC and high RDW mean?
It may also indicate chronic liver disease. High RDW and low MCV. This suggests
iron deficiency or microcytic anemia
. High RDW and high MCV. This indicates a lack of B-12 or folate.
What happens if MCH is low?
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.
What causes your MCH to be low?
Anemia can cause abnormal MCH readings on blood tests.
Often a lack of iron causes
anemia with a low MCH. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Pregnancy, blood loss, and weight loss surgery can all cause a drop in your iron levels and lead to iron-deficiency anemia or low hemoglobin and MCH levels.
Is low MCHC bad?
MCHC results are most helpful when used in conjunction with other red blood cell indices, especially MCV. 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.
How do you increase MCH in blood?
Doctors may recommend that individuals
add more iron and vitamin B6
to their diet. Eating vitamin C and fiber, along with foods that contain iron, may also help increase the MCH levels. Supplements for various vitamins are available to purchase online, including vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron.
What is the difference between MCH and MCHC?
MCH quantifies the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell. The normal values for MCH are
29 ± 2 picograms (pg)
per cell. MCHC indicates the amount of hemoglobin per unit volume. In contrast to MCH, MCHC correlates the hemoglobin content with the volume of the cell.
What does low MCHC indicate?
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 a normal MCHC test?
The reference range for MCHC in adults is
33.4–35.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
. If your MCHC value is below 33.4 grams per deciliter, you have low MCHC. Low MCHC values occur if you have anemia due to iron deficiency. It can also indicate thalassemia.
How long does it take for MCV to return to normal?
Because the MCV usually returns to normal
within 2 to 4 months of abstinence
, the increase in RBC size apparently is a direct effect of alcohol on RBC production.
What does it mean when your RDW is high and MCH is low?
If your RDW is high whereas MCV is normal, then it indicates chronic liver disease or deficiency of folate, B-12 or iron. When the RDW is high whereas MCV is low, then it indicates
microcytic anaemia or iron deficiency
.
What is a normal MCV level for a woman?
An MCV test measures the size and volume of red blood cells. A normal MCV range is
roughly 80–100 fl .
If someone’s MCV level is below 80 fl, they will likely develop or have microcytic anemia. Alternatively, if their MCV levels are greater than 100 fl, they could experience macrocytic anemia.
How do you interpret MCV MCH and MCHC?
When the MCV is high, they are called macrocytic. 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.
