MCHC – what do your numbers mean?
Have you had your MCHC level measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what a high or low level might indicate, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for MCHC?
What is the normal range for MCHC?
The normal range for MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is typically between 19.7 and 22.2 mmol/L for adults. In children and adolescents, the values are close to adult levels, while in infants, they can be slightly higher during the first months of life. Pregnant women do not experience significant changes in MCHC compared to non-pregnant women. It is important to note that reference intervals can vary slightly between laboratories. Being close to the limit values can indicate incipient iron deficiency or hereditary conditions such as spherocytosis, which requires further investigation.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of MCHC, also known as hypochromia, often indicates iron deficiency anemia, where red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Symptoms may include fatigue, pallor, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Causes can include bleeding, insufficient iron intake, or malabsorption conditions such as celiac disease. Women of childbearing age and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. With low MCHC, you should contact a doctor for further blood tests, such as ferritin and transferrin, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment, which often involves iron supplements.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of MCHC, also called hyperchromia, is rare and can be seen in conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen. The causes are often genetic, and the condition may require specialized treatment. If MCHC is elevated, you should seek medical attention for further investigation, which may include genetic tests and assessment for hemolytic anemia. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications such as blood clots and organ damage.
Get your MCHC level tested
At Celto, you can order an MCHC blood test directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without long waiting times. We have over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed at the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want tested – no doctor's referral needed. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose a time and place. The blood test itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically only takes a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals and clinics throughout Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available times within a few days. Find your nearest sample collection site →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed at the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with the exact same quality and the exact same tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few business days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand review of your values so you know what the numbers mean.