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Blood serves as a vital component in our body, performing various functions and offering insights into our overall health. That is why, to monitor and diagnose potential health issues, blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count) tests are commonly recommended by doctors.
One crucial aspect often noted by doctors in blood tests is MCHC levels, a haemoglobin test that measures the average haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells. MCHC levels can be a key indicator to gauge the health of an individual.
MCHC Levels: Meaning, Importance, and Normal Range
The full form of MCHC is Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration. It measures the amount of haemoglobin a red blood cell has in relation to its volume. Haemoglobin is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood, throughout the body.
Abnormal MCHC levels, either high or low, can indicate existing or potential health problems, such as anaemia, sickle cell disease, hyperglycaemia, and so on. Hence, undergoing this test is important for early diagnosis and prevention of various health complications.
The normal range for MCHC usually falls within 32 grams/decilitre (g/dL) to 36 grams/decilitre (g/dL), equivalent to 320 g/L to 360 g/L. This range might differ for newborns. Deviations toward lower or higher levels may suggest a form of anaemia. The reasons for experiencing low or high MCHC levels can vary and may be attributed to various factors.
Symptoms of High and Low MCHC Levels
Individuals experiencing high or low MCHC levels often share common symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue, linked to difficulties in oxygen transport.
- Feeling excessive cold and discomfort, due to the body's struggle to regulate temperature without adequate oxygen.
- Increased heartbeat, due to the body's effort to compensate for insufficient oxygen.
- Pale or yellow skin, jaundice, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, difficulty in focusing, chest pain, abdominal discomfort, fever, etc.
MCHC Levels: Causes and Treatment
MCHC levels outside the normal range can stem from various reasons.
- For low MCHC, the reasons may be often associated with anaemia or iron deficiency, caused by insufficient iron intake, poor iron absorption, blood loss from prolonged menstrual cycles or ulcers, chronic inflammation, and premature blood destruction.
- Low MCHC may also be a result of kidney diseases, due to which the erythropoietin, a protein needed to make red blood cells, may not be produced.
- Conditions like thalassemia can also result in low MCHC.
- Conversely, high MCHC can be a result of another type of anaemia called haemolytic anaemia, where red blood cells break down faster than they can be replaced. It may result from infections, autoimmune conditions, complications during blood transfusions, or sickle cell disease.
- High MCHC levels may also be a result of genetic conditions like hereditary spherocytosis.
- Treating high or low MCHC levels primarily involves treating the underlying cause. In case of deficiency, iron, folate, or vitamin B12 supplements may be prescribed. In cases of severe anaemia, treatments like blood transfusions, medication, or blood or bone marrow transplants could be recommended.
How is the MCHC Test Conducted?
To check MCHC levels, doctors usually recommend a CBC test. It is a routine test that does not require special preparation.
The procedure may involve a simple blood draw. After cleansing the area, a lab technician may insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. While side effects are minimal, some individuals may experience pain or bleeding at the insertion site for a while.
The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.
Carrying out these tests and seeking the required treatment can come at a significant financial cost. With a Health Insurance policy from Bajaj Allianz, you can receive financial support for such mediclaim policy needs and more.
Why Health Insurance is Important - Coverage, Check-ups and More
With health insurance, you can claim the following benefits:
Coverage for multiple medical needs
A Health Insurance policy will not only cover in-patient hospitalisation but also provide cover for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses. In addition, expenses related to AYUSH treatment, road ambulance, daycare procedures, organ donor procedures, and so on, are also covered.*
Free preventive medical check-ups
If you renew your health insurance plan consecutively with one insurer, you may enjoy free medical check-ups at the end of a block of a prescribed period. These check-ups can help ensure potential health issues are diagnosed and addressed at the earliest.*
Wellness benefits
If you live a healthy lifestyle - that is if you exercise and maintain your blood sugar levels, haemoglobin levels, and other essential markers within the normal range, you may enjoy savings on the plan.##
To plan your health insurance budget even more effectively, you can use online tools, such as the health insurance calculator.
If you are looking for advanced financial protection against major health issues or surgeries, such as bone marrow transplants, you can also opt for other general insurance plans like critical illness insurance, to complement your coverage.*
Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy.
*Standard T&C apply.
##All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI-approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
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