Is low MCHC bad?
Is low MCHC bad?
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.
Why would someones MCH be low?
Low MCH levels usually occur as a result of iron deficiency that has led to anemia. 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.
Is it bad if your MCH is 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.
What does MCHC blood test indicate?
MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. It’s a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell. MCHC is commonly ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) panel.
What causes low MCHC levels in blood?
What causes low MCHC? The most common cause of low MCHC is anemia. Hypochromic microcytic anemia commonly results in low MCHC. This condition means your red blood cells are smaller than usual and have a decreased level of hemoglobin.
What is the difference between MCHC and MCH?
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 MCV MCH and MCHC mean?
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 is a normal MCH level?
The normal range for MCH is between 27.5 and 33.2 picograms (pg).
How do I raise my hemoglobin?
How to increase hemoglobin
- meat and fish.
- soy products, including tofu and edamame.
- eggs.
- dried fruits, such as dates and figs.
- broccoli.
- green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach.
- green beans.
- nuts and seeds.
What does low MCHC mean in a blood test?
Anemia, specifically hypochromic microcytic anemia is the common cause of low MCHC. If the MCHC in the blood test is low, it means that the haemoglobin level is low because the red blood cells are smaller than their usual size.
What does a low level of MCHC mean?
Low MCHC. A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) can cause hypochromia (“hypo-” = low, “chromia” = color), or paler red blood cells. Hypochromia is an indicator of anemia [2]. One of the most common causes of low MCHC is iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia [5, 4].
What is the meaning of low MCHC in blood work?
If the MCHC in the blood test is low, it means that the haemoglobin level is low because the red blood cells are smaller than their usual size. Other causes of low MCHC in the blood include the following: Lack of iron secondary to the body’s inability to absorb iron.
How to increase the MCH count in blood?
How to Increase MCH Levels Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing Low MCH. Recognize symptoms. If you believe you may be experiencing low levels of MCH, take some time to notice and catalog your symptoms. Method 2 of 3: Altering Your Diet to Treat Low Blood Iron. Discuss your diet with your doctor. Method 3 of 3: Taking Supplements. Take iron supplements.