What does low MCHC mean on a blood test?
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’s a dangerously low hemoglobin level?
What hemoglobin levels are considered severe or dangerously low? A hemoglobin level of less than 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dl) is dangerous and could lead to heart failure or death. A normal hemoglobin level is 13.2–16.6 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for males and 11.6–15 g/dL for females.
What happens if MCHC is high?
Severe burns: Burns may cause a person to have hemolytic anemia and high MCHC. Liver disease: The liver stores and processes hemoglobin, so people with liver disease often have some form of anemia. If their liver is damaging the red blood cells, then a person may have high MCHC.
How do I raise my MCHC?
Can low MCHC levels be treated?
- Increase iron in your diet.
- Take iron supplements.
- Get more vitamin B6, which is necessary for proper absorption of iron.
- Add more fiber to your diet, which can help improve the intestinal absorption of iron.
How do you treat high MCHC?
Treatment for high MCHC depends on the underlying cause. Doctors usually treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia with corticosteroids, such as Prednisone. Initially, doctors will prescribe a high dose and then lower it over time. In severe cases of hemolytic anemia, doctors may recommend removing the spleen.
What is the normal range For MCHC in blood?
– Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): MCV is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells – Red cell distribution width (RDW): RDW is a number that reflects the variation in sizes of the red blood cells – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): MCH is the average mass of hemoglobin per red blood cell
What does MCHC mean in blood results?
MCHC, short for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, is a measurement of the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. You might have a MCHC test done as a part of a complete health check, or it can be used to help diagnose certain health problems. Having particularly high or low levels of hemoglobin in your blood cells can be a sign of current or future health problems, so an MCHC test can help you prevent or resolve a number of health complications.
How to increase MCHC levels?
Increase MCHC levels by consuming animal sources of iron. The best sources of iron that are easily absorbed by the body are from red meat, poultry, and fish. These foods contain Heme iron that is easily absorbed into the body. Dr. Christine Mikstas on WebMD says that some of the best iron-rich foods to increase blood iron levels are beef, clams
What does MCHC blood test low or high mean?
MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Low levels are a sign that your lungs and heart have to work harder to keep your body supplied with enough oxygen. High levels can be a sign that your body is compensating for lung and heart problems.