MCHC blood test

[Kayanne1980]

Hi all

Quick question - just had my blood results back from a FBC/liver & kidney tests, everything seems ok except for my MCHC which is at 35.1 so its slightly higher than what it should be, does this indicate a possible B12/folate deficiency?

I know I have to see my DR but just wanted to see if anyone else had this?

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Kayanne1980. The answer is yes, a high MCHC (mean corpuscular heamaglobin concentration) can be indicative of B12 and/or folate deficiency. It can also be indicative of macrocytic anaemia (where red blood cells are enlarged) and in autoimmune conditions or if there is any infection.

The result is usually read over and against a full blood count (FBC) - which also contains MCV tests - to give a fuller and more comprehensive blood picture.

It's very common (but not always present) to have this if you have B12 and/or folate deficiency - but there are, of course, other causes.

Hope this helps...good luck with your GP 😀

[Kayanne1980 in reply to Foggyme]

Hi

Thank you, the FBC just showed this slightly elevated result, the MCV was normal.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Kayanne1980]

Most likely B12 / folate deficiency with no macrocyclic anaemia then 👍

[Kayanne1980]

Hi again

I will speak with my Dr about this, otherwise all other readings were within range, which is a good thing do you think?

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Kayanne1980]

Hi Kayanne1980. Hmm...within range is a tricky concept. Sometimes it's where the results sit in the reference range that's important. For instance, as you have a high MCHC it would be significant if your MCV was towards the top of the reference range (even if still within it). This would be further evidence to support a diagnosis of B12 and/or folate deficiency. And the same goes for all other blood results - especially those contained within a FBC - because the results have to read over and against each other to be meaningful - a bit like a jigsaw which needs all the pieces to see the picture clearly.

However, many GP's simply skim the results and fail to consider what the placement within reference ranges actually means in terms of the whole picture. So many simply say oh yes, all normal - when thy're actually not. (My GP ignored a ferritin level of 14 for six years (reference range 10 - 240) so I was dizzy and breathless needlessly for six years! (A good level would be 80 -100).

People here tend to always ask for a copy of all blood results (this is your right - usually printed by the surgery receptionist) then post the results and reference ranges so that forum members can help with interpretation.

So if you're not sure, post your results here and folks will pop in to help.

Good luck 😀

[Kayanne1980]

Great - will do this evening

[Kayanne1980 in reply to Kayanne1980]

Here you go - please feel free to comment on the MCHC high count

Full blood count

Haemoglobin concentration 144 g/L [115.0 - 165.0]

Total white blood count 7.2 10*9/L [4.0 - 11.0]

Platelet count - observation 200 10*9/L [150.0 - 450.0]

Red blood cell count 4.53 10*12/L [3.8 - 5.8]

Haematocrit 0.410 1/1 [0.37 - 0.47]

Mean cell volume 91 fL [84.0 - 102.0]

Mean cell haemoglobin level 31.8 pg [28.0 - 33.0]

Mean cell haemoglobin concentration 351 g/L [300.0 - 350.0]

Urea and electrolytes

Serum sodium level 136 mmol/L [134.0 - 145.0]

Serum potassium level 4.6 mmol/L [3.5 - 5.3]

Serum urea level 6.6 mmol/L [2.9 - 7.5]

Serum creatinine level 52 umol/L [45.0 - 84.0]

Differential white blood cell count

Neutrophil count 3.4 10*9/L [2.0 - 7.5]

Lymphocyte count 2.9 10*9/L [1.0 - 4.0]

Monocyte count - observation 0.8 10*9/L [0.1 - 1.5]

Eosinophil count - observation 0.1 10*9/L [0.04 - 0.4]

Basophil count 0.0 10*9/L [< 0.15]

Liver function tests

Serum alkaline phosphatase level 89 u/L [40.0 - 130.0]

Serum alanine aminotransferase level 32 u/L [0.0 - 35.0]

Serum total bilirubin level 14 umol/L [0.0 - 21.0]

Serum albumin level 43 g/L [35.0 - 52.0]

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Kayanne1980]

Hi Kayanne1980. Sorry about the delay...only just spotted your reply.

All your results look okay, apart from the slightly raise MCHC.

Could be indicative on B12 and / or folate deficency.

Suggest you ask your GP to test serum B12, folate, ferritin, vitamin D, magnesium and anti-IF antibodies (to check for PA).

Also be a good idea to check out the pinned posts to the right of this page when you log on - lots of information about B12 deficiency and PA - diagnostic and treatment, together with current guidelines etc.

Many GP's know little about either condition and folks here tends to become their own experts so that they can help their GP's to help them.

Post your blood results when you get them (good idea to start a new post so that more people see it) and we can help with interpretation - GP's often say things are 'normal' when they're not! Sometimes it's where the result is in the range that matters - at the top or bottom is often not good enough, especially where B12 and folate deficiency is concerned.

Anyway, good luck...let us know how it goes 👍

[Kayanne1980 in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks for thr reply. Im at the GP on Tue, see what he suggests.

Im not too concerned as in Aug i had these tests and my liver bilirubin level was raised slightly and now they back to normal, might retest will let you know.

Thanks again

[Kayanne1980]

Just an update, the GP says that the raised MCHC is of no concern - I have been switched from warfarin now to rivaroxaban and I will have my liver/kidney & FBC done every 12 weeks so if it is of any real concern then it will be constantly raised much more than .1