From the Research
Elevated MCHC values indicate a higher than normal concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which can be associated with conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or severe burns, and may also be a laboratory artifact due to various factors. MCHC stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, which measures the average concentration of hemoglobin inside red blood cells in a complete blood count (CBC). The normal range for MCHC is typically 32-36 g/dL, with values above this range considered elevated, as seen in studies such as 1 where an MCHC of >or=36.0 g/dL had 82% sensitivity and 98% specificity for identifying hereditary spherocytosis. When evaluating an elevated MCHC, it's essential to consider it alongside other CBC parameters and clinical symptoms, as this can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate management, as discussed in 2 which proposes a 'decision tree' to deliver time savings and support biological interpretation in case of elevated MCHC. Some key points to consider when evaluating elevated MCHC include:
- Hereditary spherocytosis, a condition characterized by abnormal red blood cell shape and function, can cause elevated MCHC, as seen in 1 and 3.
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells, can also lead to elevated MCHC.
- Severe burns can cause red blood cell dehydration, resulting in elevated MCHC.
- Laboratory artifacts, such as lipemia, severe leukocytosis, or cold agglutinins, can also cause elevated MCHC, as discussed in 4 and 2. Repeat testing may be necessary to confirm persistent elevation before pursuing further diagnostic workup, and considering the underlying cause of elevated MCHC is crucial for guiding appropriate management and improving patient outcomes, as emphasized in 5 and 3.