MCHC (corpuscular / cellular hemoglobin concentration, SSH) is one of the many parameters that appear in the morphology results. We translate it as the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes. What are the causes of a low MCHC? What are the symptoms of low MCHC? How and if they should be treated at all?

MCHC(SSH) is another parameter next to MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) and MCV ( Mean Corpuscular Volume). It enables the assessment of the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells and is one of the values ​​routinely measured during general blood tests, the so-called morphology.

Blood morphology is one of the most accessible and commonly performed laboratory tests, in which the blood cell components (erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes) are assessed both in terms of their number and structure.

It should be noted that MCHC is not a parameter that we can evaluate ourselves. Always take into account other parameters related to red blood cells.

What does the MCHC value mean?

The analysis of the MCHC value- including other parameters describing the red blood cell (MCV, MCH) - allows us to assess the functionality of red blood cells in our body.

This is very important as they are responsible for the transport of oxygen. The red pigment in them - hemoglobin, binds oxygen in the lungs and then delivers it to all organs of our body.

It is worth mentioning that erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow and their average lifetime is approx. 120 days. After this time, the "used" cells are destroyed in the spleen, and the hemoglobin they contain is transformed, during which its protein part, i.e. globin, is broken down into amino acids.

The heme iron is oxidized from Fe2 + to Fe3 + and is drawn into the body's iron pool.

The porphyrin part of the hemeis converted to biliverdin and bilirubin in sequence, eventually being excreted in the bile into the intestines, where it is eventually converted to urobilinogen. Bilirubin and urobilinogen can also be determined by laboratory tests and can be used in practice for further diagnosis of the patient.

Standards MCHC

MCHC standards aredepending on age, sex, nutritional status and the degree of dehydration of the organism. The reference value for mean hemoglobin concentration is 32-36 g / dL or 4.9-5.5 mmol / L. With the test results, we refer to the standards adopted by a given laboratory, as they depend on the equipment and the method of parameter determination.

Obtaining the results of blood counts, we analyze all the marked parameters, including :

  • RBC
  • HCT
  • Hb
  • MCH
  • MCV
  • RDW
  • WBC
  • PLT

and only the comprehensive analysis of the marked values ​​allows for drawing conclusions and diagnosing possible disorders and diseases!

What diseases cause changes in MCHC values?

  • High MCHC

Increased MCHC values ​​appear relatively rarely. It is subject to smaller fluctuations in relation to MCH or MCV.

The reason for the increased value of MCHC may be, for example, severedehydration of the body , which we can imagine as an increase in the concentration of the dye - hemoglobin in a reduced amount of fluid (water is the basic component of intra and extracellular fluids ).

A much rarer cause of lowering MCHC is the development ofcongenital spherocytosis . It is a genetically determined disease in which, as a result of mutations, the erythrocyte membrane proteins are defective and the permeability of the cell membrane for ions changes. This results in a change in the shape of the cells from disc-shaped to spherical. Additionally, there is a general dehydration of the erythrocyte. All these changes promote hemolysis of erythrocytes (their destruction due to the transfer of hemoglobin into the blood).

  • Low MCHC

In the vast majority of cases, we deal with a reduced value of the MCHC. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of reduced MCHC, and therefore the most common cause of anemia. It accounts for 80% of cases. Iron deficiency, which is an essential element that builds heme, may occur in the following cases:

  • blood loss - undiagnosed gastrointestinal bleeding (as a result of chronic NSAID use, gastrointestinal cancer, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease), heavy menstruation or post-traumatic haemorrhage;
  • reduced iron absorption - as a result of diarrhea, acid deficiency in the stomach or after gastrectomy (complete removal of the stomach) or bariatric surgery;
  • increased iron requirements during puberty, during pregnancy or during menstruation;
  • a low-protein, vegetarian or vegan diet.

MCHC value disturbance in morphology: symptoms

The MCHC value is not a parameter on the basis of which we can diagnose diseases. It is one of the many parameters included in the complete blood count. Blood count tests are also often performed prophylactically, as it provides a lot of basic information about he alth.

The indication for such an examination will be general symptoms, such as:

  • weakness
  • decline in physical performance
  • easy fatigue
  • sweating
  • weight changes

inflammation symptoms like:

  • fever
  • chills
  • pains in various locations
  • physiological disorder

Disturbance of MCHC values ​​in morphology: treatment

MCHC disturbance alone can never be a reason to start treatment. The results of all determined laboratory parameters must be analyzed, as well as the clinical condition of the patient.

In case of any doubts, consult a doctor who may decide to perform further tests and implement possible treatment.

Category:

Research