What is MCHC in blood test? MCHC in blood test. What is it, increased, decreased, normal and deviation. What to do Msns blood
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The condition of the main body fluid – blood – is the most important indicator of human health. Blood is a kind of conductor of nutrients and oxygen to all tissue structures, ensuring their normal functioning. Therefore, any violation of the components of its formula can negatively affect the activity of the entire organism.
So, in the case of pathological changes in red blood cells - erythrocytes, and more specifically one of their components - the protein compound hemoglobin - the cells will lack oxygen, which will certainly affect the human condition. To determine such a disorder, it is enough to conduct a general blood test (CBC), which will show the main parameters of hemoglobin and other indicators.
What do the abbreviations MCH and MCHC stand for?
A general blood test, or as it is also called a clinical blood test, allows specialists to evaluate not only the hemoglobin (Hb) content, but also its average concentration in an individual red blood cell (MCH). In addition, the average value of bound Hb or corpuscular is determined in parallel, which is indicated in the form as MCHC.
The average corpuscular hemoglobin value is not a diagnostic indicator, but rather a value confirming the reliability of MCH. That is, when the latter changes, shifts in the MCHC coefficient are also observed. The indicator is determined by calculation using a special formula, which involves dividing the total hemoglobin content by the hematocrit value and multiplying by 100.
Reference! MCHC does not depend on the total volume of cells and makes it possible to assess their saturation with hemoglobin, which makes it possible to determine the presence of disturbances in the process of formation of this protein compound. Normal MCHC levels in red blood cells are considered to be 300-380 g/l, although they may vary slightly depending on the age and gender characteristics of the subjects.
Normal parameters for different age and gender groups
The values of this indicator have slight differences, which is determined by the development or extinction of metabolic processes, including the factor of blood cell production. Among male and female representatives, some differences are also noted, which, of course, is taken into account when deciphering research materials.
Thus, the boundaries of the norm are determined as follows. Children under 12 years of age. At this age, gender characteristics do not affect this indicator. In newborns, values of 280-350 g/l are taken as normal. In children older, MCHC increases to 370 g/l and does not change until the age of 12 years.
Teenagers under 18 years of age. At this age, the indicators for boys and girls will differ; this is due to the onset of puberty and the characteristics of the body’s restructuring. For boys, MCHC should not exceed 380 g/l, while for girls it should not exceed 370 g/l. The latter have slightly low values, this is due to regular blood loss during menstruation.
In adult men and women of reproductive age (up to 45-50 years), the indicators do not differ significantly and can vary from 320 to 380 g/l. In older people, MCHC values gradually decrease as they age, which is explained by a decrease in the activity of all processes in the body, including cell production.
MCHC norms for different age groups and both sexes
Reasons for increasing the coefficient
MCHC, like all diagnosed indicators, can undergo changes in both directions - increase and decrease. Many people know about its reduction - mainly various types of anemia (decreased hemoglobin amount) that arise as a result of a wide variety of factors.
However, an increase in this parameter will not always be the result of the development of the disease. Sometimes this indicator is caused by reasons related to poor-quality collection of biomaterial, for example, a poorly washed test tube. Also, in some laboratories the conditions for storing blood are not observed (due to workload, the analysis is performed untimely).
This leads to the occurrence of undesirable processes in the sample taken. The amount of hemoglobin may increase, and therefore the result is unreliably increased. If the subject feels well and is not bothered by any pathological manifestations, then the procedure should be carried out again and preferably in some other laboratory.
In other cases, if MCHC is increased, then pathology is most likely present. Often, deciphering this parameter makes it possible to identify the disease at an early stage, which means it makes it possible to carry out therapy using more gentle methods, and in a short time.
So, an increase in MCHC and MCH may be evidence of:
- lack of B vitamins;
- alcoholism or nicotine addiction;
- taking sedatives or hormonal medications.
Dysfunction of the bone marrow or liver can also increase these blood counts. One of their fairly common causes of increase is erythremia, a blood condition in which a large number of red blood cells and hemoglobin are formed. This is an extremely dangerous disorder of the circulatory system, which can lead to arterial thrombosis or diseases of the duodenum.
This condition can be determined by the presence of redness of the skin, combined with pain, unbearable itching and complaints of pain in the arms and legs. To confirm or refute this diagnosis, of course, one general blood test will not be enough, so a full examination of the patient’s body is carried out.
Reference! If one of the components of the blood formula is destroyed, the indicator of red blood cell activity will also be increased. Similar phenomena can be observed after severe traumatic injuries, accompanied by heavy blood loss, or in women after childbirth.
In addition to the above, MCHC may increase due to hypochromic anemia, diabetes mellitus, dehydration, heart and pulmonary failure, as well as any neoplasms in the renal parenchyma. All these diseases require regular monitoring of basic blood parameters and appropriate therapy.
Another, and perhaps the most dangerous reason for the increase in the described indicator, is a blood disease associated with a change in the shape of red blood cells - erythrocytes. This pathology is called spherocytosis, and it refers to hereditary, genetically determined diseases - hypochromic anemia. But in rare cases it can be a consequence of hemolytic anemia.
Spherocytosis as one of the reasons for increased MSHC
The main characteristic of this disease is a pathological change from the biconcave shape of the erythrocyte membrane to a spherical one. Such blood cells do not have the ability to efficiently perform the function of transporting oxygen, and are destroyed much faster. The round shape is a definite marker for the spleen, which is responsible for their destruction.
The nature of changes in erythrocytes during spherocytosis
As a result, the spleen destroys modified red blood cells, mistaking them for those that need to be destroyed, for example, at the end of the life cycle or due to inferiority. This situation leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which, due to their characteristics, are not able to synthesize hemoglobin, which is why much more of it is formed.
The disease can occur in acute and chronic forms, and sometimes its symptoms are quite mild, which causes practically no discomfort to the person. But in some cases they can be so severe and pose a threat to health and even life. Especially often, aggravation of symptoms is observed after suffering from infectious and viral diseases.
Main manifestations of spherocytosis
As noted above, the symptoms of the disease can be obvious, severe or mild, perhaps even so much so that the patient is unaware of its presence until almost the moment he takes a blood test and finds that MCHC is elevated. But, basically, people suffering from spherocytosis present the following complaints, and they have symptoms such as:
- causeless weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, irritability;
- dysfunction of the digestive system - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- pallor or yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes;
- hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells);
- formation of calculi (stones) in the gall bladder.
Reference! All these signs, regardless of whether they occur in combination or appear as individual symptoms, are already sufficient reason to conduct a general blood diagnosis. Perhaps this is not spherocytosis, but there is a high probability that there are still deviations in the blood count to one degree or another.
In childhood, this pathology is largely due to hereditary predisposition and only in very rare cases is it caused by any infectious or viral diseases. It is worth noting that hereditary spherocytosis mainly affects children of the Caucasian race, and it occurs in a ratio of 1:5000. Moreover, in 25% of cases of the total number of diseases there is no genetic history, and the emergence of a new series of mutations is observed.
In children, in addition to the general signs of the disease listed above, splenomegaly is added - an increase in the size of the spleen or its aplasia due to the introduction of viruses. Anemia can occur in a compensatory form, that is, hemolysis occurs with normal hemoglobin levels. Within the same family, the symptoms of spherocytosis can be quite variable, and the course of the disease can vary in severity.
Clinical manifestations of spherocytosis in blood tests
Methods for correcting the indicator
To bring the indicator back to normal, it is necessary first, with the help of additional research, to understand the causes that caused it and then develop an appropriate therapeutic approach. If the change in the coefficient is associated with a disease, then primary attention should be directed to curing the underlying pathology. In cases where no serious illness is detected, the MSHC level is simply corrected using a certain series of medications and nutrition.
Therapy for decreased MSHC
If the level is low, medications that can increase hemoglobin concentration are usually prescribed. In addition, it is additionally recommended to take folic acid and mineral complexes. When this indicator is restored, it is imperative to include B vitamins in therapy.
If a lack of hemoglobin in red blood cells is diagnosed in a child, then from an early age drugs such as Ferrum Lek, Actiferrin, Maltofer can be prescribed. After 3 years of age, children can be given Ferroplex, Tardiferon, Totema, etc. These medications are made based on natural ingredients and are therefore recommended for young patients. Adults are also prescribed these medications, only in higher dosages.
The average course of therapy lasts 1-3 months. The duration of treatment and the frequency of taking medications depend on the patient’s condition and the individual characteristics of his body. If, due to certain contraindications, it is not possible to select an oral drug, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital and, under the supervision of medical staff, is given a course of intravenous and intramuscular injections.
It is recommended to add foods that contain large amounts of iron to drug therapy. This is the liver of animals and birds, red meat, apples, buckwheat. In addition, it is necessary to add foods high in folic acid to the patient’s diet. These include citrus fruits, nuts, cereals, corn, carrots, beets, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, apples, apricots, pears, etc.
Treatment for increased MSHC
If, during the decoding of the CBC data, it turns out that the MSHC indicator is elevated, then the first step to reduce its level is to drink plenty of fluids in combination with eating salty foods. Shilajit helps well with this condition. You should also completely remove all red fruits, red meat, liver and grains from your diet. They need to be replaced with legumes, chicken, dairy products, seafood and vegetables.
The patient must give up alcohol, fatty and fried foods. It is strictly forbidden to take multivitamins that contain B vitamins and folic acid. If the level is sufficiently high, the drugs Cardiomagnyl, Trental, and Curantil are prescribed.
Among the non-drug remedies, hirudotherapy is widely used - leeches not only suck out the blood, but also inject a special substance into it that prevents thickening. Therefore, despite their very unattractive appearance, they are an excellent treatment option for this condition.
When conducting a general blood test, modern laboratories use an automatic system for counting formed elements and various cellular indices. This allows you to make the study more accurate, and use the obtained result to establish a specific diagnosis. This opportunity appeared not so long ago: the device has been used abroad since the late 50s, in the CIS countries for no more than 20 years.
Platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes have specific indices. Red blood cells, as erythrocytes are also called, have four of them. One of them is MCHC, translated from English as “average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.” The indicator is specific and allows one to suspect a number of diseases. We will explain in this article why the average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell is increased.
Hemoglobin molecule
What is MCHC, how is it determined, normal values
MCHC is the average hb concentration in red blood cells. Reflects the degree of saturation of all red cells in the body with hemoglobin. The hemoglobin molecule is a complex substance consisting of a protein part and iron. Its main function is transport; it carries oxygen, saturating organs and tissues with it.
With iron deficiency in the body, hypoxia develops - oxygen starvation. In a healthy adult body, the described indicator is stable and has a constant value. The range in the blood of mchc is wider in children, which is associated with the formation of the hematopoietic system.
![](https://i1.wp.com/lechiserdce.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/risunok-2-2.jpg)
To study mchc in a blood test, capillary blood is taken, that is, from a finger. To get the right result you need to follow a few simple rules:
- The analysis is taken on an empty stomach, the minimum break between meals should be 8-10 hours.
- Before the test, you can drink plain water.
- You should stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and active sports at least a day before the test.
The indicator is calculated using a special formula. It is necessary to divide hemoglobin (g/l) * 100 by hematocrit. Measurement is carried out in grams/liter (g/l). The norm values are:
- 320-365 g/l in men;
- 320-355 g/l in women;
- up to 380 g/l in children under 5 years of age.
![](https://i1.wp.com/lechiserdce.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/risunok-3-2.jpg)
Laboratories often use an average value for both sexes, which is 320-380 g/l. In addition to children, the indicator varies slightly among older people. They are characterized by its decrease, which is associated with a decrease in bone marrow activity. This means a decrease in the number of red blood cells and their indices.
To learn more about what MCHC is, watch the video:
Reasons for increased MCHC in blood tests
There are many reasons that can increase the value of MCHC. But do not forget about the so-called high false positive rate. It can be triggered by:
- violation of blood sampling rules;
- disruption of material transportation;
- improper blood storage mode (high or low temperature, access to free oxygen);
- violation of the rules for preparing for the test (they are discussed above).
Remember! A one-time increase in the average concentration of Hb in erythrocytes requires repeated analysis over time and cannot be evidence of the course of pathological processes in the body.
If, however, MCHC in the blood test is increased repeatedly, one should assume:
- Hereditary hemolytic anemia: spherocytosis (Minkowski-Choffard disease), ovalocytosis. It is with this pathology that MCHC can increase to its maximum. Due to a disturbance in the structure of the cell membrane, a deficiency of specific proteins of the cell “skeleton” (spectrin and ankyrin), the function of the erythrocyte suffers. Passage through the spleen causes increased destruction (disintegration) of the cell, sharply reducing its lifespan.
- Severe deficiency of vitamins, namely B-12 and folic acid.
- Chronic hypoxia (as an option - living in high mountains).
- Oncological pathology, especially the hematopoietic system. The bone marrow is involved in the pathological process. The synthesis of normal cells is inhibited and the formation of cells from the pathological clone is increased.
- Water-electrolyte imbalance. It is provoked by poisoning and intestinal infections. Excessive vomiting and frequent loose stools become the reasons why MCHC in the blood test increases.
- Diseases of the endocrine system (type 2 diabetes, decreased thyroid function).
- Sclerotic processes in the lungs, in which oxygen deficiency occurs.
- Chronic renal failure.
![](https://i1.wp.com/lechiserdce.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/risunok-4-1.png)
The increase in average hemoglobin concentration in the blood may be temporary. Drugs that have an enhancing effect include contraceptives, hormonals, some sedatives and vasoconstrictors. In any case, if mchc is elevated, you should consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.
Remember! Tobacco smoking also leads to an increase in this index.
Differences between MCHC and MCH
MCH denotes the average hb content of a red blood cell. This index reflects the average amount of hemoglobin in one specific cell. It is obtained by dividing hemoglobin by the number of red blood cells. The calculation is carried out in picograms (pg). The average normal mch value in a blood test is 24-34 pg. When diagnosing children, age standards are used. If the average hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte is increased, a proportional increase in mchc should be expected. These two quantities are interrelated and complement each other in a blood test.
![](https://i2.wp.com/lechiserdce.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/risunok-5.jpg)
Interpretation of the analysis, additional research, principles of treatment and prevention
The analysis must be assessed by a specialist. This could be a hematologist who deals specifically with blood diseases, or a general practitioner. If the diagnosis needs to be clarified for the child, you will need to contact a pediatrician. To make a diagnosis, a specialist will need:
- Collect complaints.
- Assess the clinical symptoms of the disease.
- Study not only individual erythrocyte indices, but a fully detailed blood test, which includes counting erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, ESR, reticulocytes, and indices of these cells.
- Conduct a biochemical blood test. This is necessary to assess the functions of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The analysis will allow you to find out whether inflammatory processes are occurring in the body.
- Prescribe instrumental diagnostics, if necessary (ultrasound of the abdominal organs and kidneys, x-ray of the chest organs).
Once the correct diagnosis has been established, therapy will be prescribed. Only a doctor should prescribe medications and give advice on treatment. Prescribed drugs may belong to completely different groups, depending on the reasons that caused the pathological process.
Attention! True increases in MCHC are extremely rare. Any self-medication can cause serious damage to health!
The patient can independently engage in the prevention of diseases of the blood and other systems. To do this, it is recommended to follow the principles of proper nutrition, exercise regularly, spend time outdoors, limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and reduce the number of cigarettes. These measures will improve oxygen exchange and prevent the development of diseases.
More:
What can cause an increase in the mean concentration of HB in erythrocytes (MCHC) in a child, who should I contact?
One of the 24 main parameters studied in blood tests is mchc, which belongs to the category of erythrocyte indices. Identifying this value is necessary to clarify the category and characteristics of anemia, which today is observed in almost all residents of large cities and metropolitan areas. Many people are familiar with the constant feeling of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head and body, but few people know that this is how anemia manifests itself.
What is mchc in blood test
The mchc indicator in a blood test indicates the average concentration in 1 red blood cell. Essentially, this value indicates how saturated red blood cells are with hemoglobin, which is a complex protein formed around iron atoms. mchc is calculated as the ratio of the amount of protein to the volume of 1 red blood cell.
It should be noted that the concentration of this protein in blood cells does not depend on their volume and cannot show the exact level of protein with an iron atom in the red blood cell. The data measurement is recorded in either grams per deciliter or grams per liter.
It is important to distinguish the concept of mchc from mch, which shows the average protein content in a red blood cell, that is, the mass of hemoglobin in 1 cell. In contrast, the mchc value does not indicate a certain amount of hemoglobin, but how tightly it fills the red blood cell.
Preparing and conducting analysis
The determination of this indicator is included in the general blood test, so the patient is prescribed this particular procedure. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning, always on an empty stomach, that is, the patient must come to the treatment room on an empty stomach, maintaining an interval between the time of the procedure and the last meal of at least 8 - 9 hours.
It is important to properly prepare for donating blood. About a day before this moment, you should refrain from physical activity and avoid stressful situations.
For 3 days, you must stop consuming spicy, too fatty, fried, smoked foods, as well as pickles and marinades, carbonated and alcoholic drinks. You should also not drink coffee or black tea at least 8 to 10 hours before the procedure. It's better to drink clean water.
You should come to the treatment room in advance, about half an hour before the appointed time, in order to have time to bring your body back to normal after walking or climbing stairs and to calm down. Smokers should refrain from smoking approximately 2 hours before blood collection.
Norm mchc in adults and children
The value is measured in either grams per liter or grams per deciliter, depending on the specific laboratory. The standards for this indicator also largely depend on the laboratory, since each medical center has different equipment installed. As a rule, the value depends only on the patient’s age, and not on his gender, so the standards in each laboratory are developed by age group.
There are also tables of norms in grams per deciliter:
The role of the mchc indicator in the diagnosis of diseases
The mchc value in a blood test is one of the most constant indicators, so very often doctors rely on it to eliminate possible medical errors when conducting research in laboratories and diagnosing diseases. Most often mchc is used for:
- Assessment of the correctness and effectiveness of therapy for anemia of various categories.
- Diagnosing possible hypochromia.
- In the differential diagnosis of anemia.
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In the modern world, iron deficiency anemia is a very common pathology, which is due to the presence of many chronic diseases in people of different ages, as well as insufficient amount of iron consumed in food.
In some cases, the problem also arises with a well-balanced diet enriched with iron-containing foods, if in this case there is improper absorption of the elements in the intestines. Anemia can occur for many reasons, but in the diagnosis of this disease and its characteristics, the mchc value plays an important role.
Increased mchc in blood test
Reasons why msn (average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell) in a blood test may be increased:
- Anemia of the hyperchromic type, in particular with spherocytosis, ovalocytosis, deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12.
- Disturbances in the metabolism and balance of water and electrolytes in the body.
High rates are observed in newborns and young children, which is not considered a deviation and gradually resolves on its own as the baby grows older.
In adults, an increase in the average hb concentration in erythrocytes (mchc) is quite rare. However, it should be taken into account that if mchc is very elevated, if its level is more than 380 g/l and continues to increase, there is a high risk of protein crystallization with an iron atom.
In most cases, high levels of this parameter do not indicate the presence of any disease, but indicate an error when conducting research in the laboratory, since an increased concentration of this protein in 1 red blood cell causes its morphological changes and leads to destruction.
There is only one disease in which constantly high levels of mchc are observed - spherocytosis, which is a hereditary pathology. The disease falls into the category of hemolytic anemia, and its main symptom is a defect in the membranes of red blood cells.
Most often, when mchc is elevated in a blood test, it is due to laboratory technical errors caused by:
- Incorrect determination of hemoglobin parameters, as well as hematocrit.
- Violation of the procedure for collecting blood for further research.
- Violation of storage of the collected material, as a result of which the partial disintegration of red cells began.
Reduced mchc in blood test
Let's look at the reasons why the average concentration of hb (hemoglobin) in erythrocytes (msns) is reduced. A decrease in the indicator indicates the patient has hypochromia, characterized by insufficient saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. As a rule, this condition is associated with certain pathologies when the natural production of protein is disrupted.
The reason for a decrease in mchc often lies in various types of anemia, but the condition can also be caused by poisoning with lead and its derivatives, hypovitaminosis, as well as some hereditary ailments in which iron metabolism is severely impaired.
The reasons for the decrease in mchc levels can be considered:
- Iron deficiency anemia of hypochromic and sideroblastic nature.
- Posthemorrhagic anemia of a chronic type.
- Violation of the exchange and balance between water and electrolytes.
- Hemoglobinopathy, in which the production of red cells is disrupted, while certain amino acids are replaced in its chains.
- Anemia of the megaloblastic type, in which the volume of red blood cells increases, which is why they are not fully saturated with hemoglobin.
- Some categories of thalassemia, which are hereditary diseases associated with certain genetic mutations.
If the natural synthesis of hemoglobin is disrupted in the body, then the mchc indicator decreases almost last. For this reason, if other indicators and blood test values are normal, but a decrease in mchc is observed, we can conclude that there is an error and the result is unreliable. In this case, you should retake the analysis in another laboratory.
A blood test can tell a lot about a person’s state of health if interpreted correctly: if the MSNA in a blood test is elevated, then the reasons may lie in serious diseases. The answer can be obtained from a doctor who will be able to decipher the results obtained correctly: it will be quite difficult for an uninitiated person to understand the indices and abbreviations on their own.
To understand why hb concentration increases, you first need to clarify what mchc is in a blood test and why it is measured at all.
Why is this measurement carried out?
So, why do you need to know the mch value in a blood test and why can the indicator be high? Human blood consists of various elements. In total, when taking blood, 24 components of physiological fluid are analyzed. When it is analyzed, the laboratory technician measures their quality and quantity - it can be different in children and adults, women and men, healthy and sick people.
First of all, it is established whether the level of the main components in the human blood is increased or normal:
- red blood cells;
- platelets;
- leukocytes.
Mchc in a blood test means the ability of red blood cells to transfer hemoglobin to tissues, or more precisely, its quantity.
Mch is the average value of the amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. And mcv is an indicator of the average volume of a red blood cell.
All these erythrocyte indices are used to determine the quality and condition of red blood cells and are extremely important indicators in any blood test.
An increase in hemoglobin content in red blood cells is a very important index that can tell you a lot. Transporting hemoglobin through the blood is the main function of red blood cells. How well they cope with it is determined by the amount of high-quality hemoglobin in the blood, which means the person’s condition, the presence or absence of anemia and other serious pathologies. Therefore, doctors first of all determine whether mchc is elevated or normal, as well as the hemoglobin content in the red blood cell is increased or not.
You should understand the difference between this indicator and data on hemoglobin concentration. MCHC does not indicate the number of red blood cells themselves, it only determines their degree of filling with hemoglobin. If the “average hemoglobin content in a erythrocyte” indicator is elevated, this is not always a sign of pathology.
If the average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell is increased, then additional studies are always carried out. Usually this is a determination of the volume of an erythrocyte and the amount of hemoglobin that is transported by each cell separately; these erythrocyte components of the index were discussed above.
What should be the normal indicators?
The amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells varies from person to person.
Representatives of each gender and age category have different norms, which is always taken into account.
Using erythrocyte indices, you can determine the age and gender of a person; the standards are as follows:
- For children under twelve years of age, regardless of their gender, these indicators do not differ. MCHC is measured in grams per liter of blood, and these are the units indicated in the test transcript. For newborn babies, the norm is from 280 to 350 g/liter. Then the average hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte increases to 370 g/liter. And this remains the norm for all children under twelve years of age.
- In adolescents under eighteen years of age, the erythrocyte activity index will be different for girls and boys. For girls, it should not normally exceed 370 g/liter, and for young people - 380 g/liter. Rates for females are lower due to blood loss during monthly menstruation.
- In adult men and women of reproductive age - up to approximately 45-50 years - the indicators do not differ much. For both women and men, they can vary from 320 to 380 g/liter.
In the elderly, the index gradually decreases even more, which is explained by a decrease in the rate of cell division and their activity.
Why might the index rise?
If MSNS is elevated in a blood test, the causes may be a variety of pathologies in the early stages of development. That's why this indicator is so important. Sometimes only with the help of such a blood test can one identify a disease at its very beginning, when gentle treatment methods can be used.
If mch is elevated, then it says:
- about deficiency of B vitamins;
- about addiction to alcohol or smoking;
- about regularly taking certain medications, for example, hormonal or sedatives.
Often, increased MSNS is observed in cases of serious and dangerous disorders of bone marrow or liver function.
Erythremia is another reason for the strong increase in indicators. This is an extremely dangerous and difficult to treat disease in which a serious disruption occurs in the circulatory system. There is a very large number of blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. For this reason, the patient often develops arterial thrombosis or duodenal pathology.
The disease can be recognized by painful redness of the skin and unbearable itching; patients, as a rule, complain of pain in the joints of the upper and lower extremities. To confirm or refute oncology, of course, they are not limited to this study; first, a full examination is carried out.
If a patient's blood cells begin to break down, the red blood cell activity index will also be higher than usual. This phenomenon is usually observed after an injury with large blood loss or in women after childbirth.
In addition, mchc readings may change with diseases and disorders such as:
- pulmonary failure;
- heart defects;
- diabetes;
- any formations on the kidneys;
- dehydration of the body.
There are enough situations in which red blood cell indicators can change in one direction or another. And this is not always a symptom of a disease. Therefore, in any case, you should not draw conclusions on your own.
Even a doctor cannot immediately make a diagnosis based on this indicator alone - he can only assume it.
Other reasons for changes in MSNS in blood tests
Anemia is a common disease, and it is the one that most often causes changes in MSU indicators. But it is worth understanding that this is a collective medical term; anemia comes in different types, each of which has its own characteristics and affects the composition of the blood differently. For example, erythrocyte anemia is observed in those people who have undergone radiation. Pathologies of the erythrocyte germ are also observed in patients suffering from obstructive pulmonary disease or gastritis.
In addition, the composition of the blood is greatly influenced by the work of the spleen. When red blood cells wear out (their lifespan is about 160 days), they are recycled by the spleen. If the work of the cells of this organ is not active enough, their content is increased. And, accordingly, on the contrary, if the rate of work of the spleen is increased, then the MSNS indicator decreases.
Unfortunately, despite the progressiveness of modern medicine, errors may be made when conducting a number of studies. If MSNS is elevated, you should not panic ahead of time and look for signs of the development of cancer. Perhaps the reason is a common error; the increasing factor can be anything.
- Indicators may change in the following cases:
- Maintain sterility during analysis.
- The level of quality of reagents that are introduced into the blood during its examination.
- Incorrect analyzer settings.
Of course, the literacy and accuracy of the researchers themselves is important. Sometimes the reason is simply that the laboratory technician took blood with a syringe from a common tube or incorrectly interpreted the results.
Today, good clinics use automatic and fast analyzers, which very rarely make mistakes. The result is given in the form of a histogram, which is then deciphered by a specialist. If in both cases the msn is really elevated, it is worth starting an additional examination with a good specialist.
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A general blood test is a mandatory diagnostic procedure that every person who consults a doctor undergoes, regardless of the reason. To navigate the results of this analysis, it is important to understand what ICSU is. This indicator is an indicator and indicates the ability of the blood to perform one of its most important functions - breathing. If MSHC is elevated in a blood test, the reasons for this can lead to serious health problems.
Analysis
A complete blood count, also called a clinical test, provides information about red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin. All these cells perform vital functions in the body. Hemoglobin, or Hgb, Hb is a substance of protein origin that is part of red blood cells and participates in gas exchange processes: it delivers oxygen to the cells of tissues and organs and takes CO2 from them.
The normal Hb level for adults is:
- men - 132-173 g/l;
- women - 117-155 g/l.
In children of different ages, this value varies from 90 to 150 g/l.
The amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is a significant, but not the only index of the quality of the respiratory function of the blood. Along with it, experts evaluate the average concentration of Hb in erythrocytes (MCHC). This is an additional indicator included in a detailed blood test. Its determination requires special equipment.
How often do you get your blood tested?
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More than twice a year but less than six times 11%, 516 votes
I take care of my health and donate once a month 6%, 283 vote
I'm afraid of this procedure and try not to pass 4%, 201 voice
21.10.2019
MCHC in the blood should not be confused with another indicator in the analysis - MCH, which determines the amount of Hb in the red blood cell. If the first one speaks about the amount of hemoglobin in all erythrocyte cells, then the second one speaks about the Hb content in only one.
Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is important in confirming anemia. It is more informative than the number of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin in the blood. With a normal or even increased content of red blood cells in the blood, the degree of their saturation with hemoglobin can be extremely low. In a detailed blood test, MSHC is necessarily present.
Also, determining this indicator is necessary in the case of:
- the presence of a constant inflammatory or infectious process in the body;
- suspicion of internal bleeding;
- suspected cancer;
- rapid fatigue.
How to prepare for analysis
Blood is a liquid medium of the body, the qualitative composition of which can change under the influence of a number of factors. In order for the analysis result to be as reliable as possible, a number of rules should be followed:
- The analysis must be carried out in laboratory conditions in compliance with all rules of asepsis and antiseptics.
- X-ray examinations are contraindicated before analysis.
- You should refrain from any physical procedures.
- Stop using medications. If this is not possible, inform your doctor.
- Limit excessive mental and physical activity.
- Refuse food and alcohol at least 10 hours before the procedure.
- Be sure to rest well before the procedure.
Blood is taken from a finger in the morning.