MCHC Blood Test in Cats – What It Measures
Why Should Cat Owners Care About MCHC Blood Test?
The reference range for MCHC in cats is 32-35 g/dL. Values outside this range may indicate issues with red blood cell health or function, which could affect overall oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. Abnormal results should be interpreted alongside other hematological parameters and clinical signs.
MCHC is calculated from hemoglobin and hematocrit (MCHC = Hb / HCT x 100), so it is not raised by dehydration or polycythemia – both move hemoglobin and hematocrit together and leave the ratio unchanged. A high MCHC in a cat is almost always an artifact: in-vitro hemolysis, lipemia, Heinz bodies, or red cell agglutination. A low MCHC (hypochromia) is the finding with real clinical weight and points to iron deficiency or a strong regenerative response.
It’s important to note that while MCHC provides valuable information about red blood cells, it does not diagnose specific diseases on its own. A veterinarian will consider the results in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of any abnormalities.
- Hematocrit (HCT): Measures the proportion of red blood cells in whole blood.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Indicates the average size of red blood cells.
In cases where MCHC is abnormal, further tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and iron studies may be necessary to identify the specific cause. These additional evaluations help in diagnosing conditions like anemia, dehydration, or other hematological disorders that affect red blood cell function.
What is Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)?
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a laboratory measurement that reflects the average amount of hemoglobin within each red blood cell. It provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity and efficiency of these cells. The MCHC value in cats typically falls within the reference range of 32-35 g/dL. Separate articles cover the causes of high MCHC in cats and MCHC levels in kittens.
MCHC can be elevated or decreased due to various conditions affecting red blood cells. A high MCHC is not a disease in cats – true hyperchromia does not occur biologically, because a red cell cannot hold more hemoglobin than physiologically possible – so an elevated value points to a measurement artifact (hemolysis, lipemia, Heinz bodies, agglutination) and the sample should be repeated. A decreased MCHC indicates hypochromia, seen with iron deficiency and with regenerative anemia, where young red cells carry less hemoglobin; see low MCHC in cats for the full workup.
It’s important to note that MCHC alone does not provide a definitive diagnosis; it should be interpreted alongside other hematological parameters such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and the patterns of high MCH with high MCHC and high MCH with low MCHC are read differently. In feline iron deficiency anemia, MCV is typically low and MCHC is reduced as well. In a strongly regenerative anemia, MCV may be increased while MCHC is decreased, because immature red cells are large and relatively poor in hemoglobin.
Further tests that a veterinarian may consider include complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and iron studies to assess serum ferritin levels. These additional evaluations help in determining the underlying cause of abnormal MCHC values and guide appropriate treatment strategies. For example, if iron deficiency is suspected based on low MCHC and other CBC findings, the veterinarian may prescribe oral iron supplements or intravenous iron therapy.
Laboratory Reference Ranges for MCHC in Cats
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin within red blood cells, reported in g/dL. It provides insight into the oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health of these cells.
- Normal reference range: 32-35 g/dL
An MCHC value outside this range may suggest various hematological conditions or systemic issues affecting red blood cell integrity. Below are some common causes:
| Finding | What it may suggest | Suggested next step |
|---|---|---|
| Below the reference range | May indicate hypochromic anemia, where red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. | Further tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and reticulocyte count to assess the severity of anemia. |
| Above the reference range | Almost always an in-vitro artifact – hemolysis, lipemia, Heinz bodies or red cell agglutination – rather than true hyperchromia, which does not occur in cats. | Inspect the plasma for hemolysis and lipemia, review a blood smear for Heinz bodies and agglutination, and repeat the CBC on a fresh fasted sample. |
See the full reference intervals for the cat — every value cited to the laboratory document or paper it came from.
When MCHC is below the reference range, it often indicates hypochromic anemia. This condition can be caused by iron deficiency, chronic inflammation, or genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin synthesis. A complete blood count (CBC) and reticulocyte count are essential to assess the severity of anemia and guide further diagnostic steps.
Conversely, if MCHC is above the reference range, the first step is not to look for a disease. True hyperchromia is not a biological phenomenon in cats, so a raised MCHC nearly always reflects free hemoglobin in the plasma from hemolysis, lipemia after a recent meal, Heinz bodies, or agglutinated red cells. Repeating the count on a properly collected, fasted sample usually resolves the finding.
It is important to interpret MCHC alongside other hematological parameters like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW). These markers provide additional context for diagnosing specific types of anemia. For instance, a combination of low MCHC with high RDW often points towards iron deficiency anemia.
Further diagnostic steps may include serum ferritin levels to assess iron stores, reticulocyte count to evaluate bone marrow response, and genetic testing if hereditary conditions are suspected. The veterinarian will determine the exact course of action based on clinical signs and laboratory findings.
What Causes Abnormal MCHC Levels in Cats?
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin within red blood cells. In cats, an abnormal MCHC level can indicate various hematological conditions or systemic issues affecting erythropoiesis and red blood cell integrity.
- Anemia due to chronic disease
- Microcytic anemias (e.g., iron deficiency)
- Hemolytic anemias (e.g., immune-mediated hemolysis, toxic agents like onions or zinc)
- Bone marrow disorders affecting erythropoiesis
- Inflammatory conditions that alter red blood cell production and lifespan
MCHC does not provide a specific diagnosis on its own but should be interpreted alongside other hematological parameters such as MCV (mean corpuscular volume), RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and reticulocyte count. For instance, in iron deficiency anemia, the MCHC is typically low due to smaller red blood cells with less hemoglobin content.
| Cause | Mechanism | Typical Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Deficiency Anemia | Reduced iron availability impairs hemoglobin synthesis, leading to smaller red blood cells with lower MCHC. | Weakness, pale mucous membranes, lethargy |
| Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) | Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells leads to shortened lifespan and abnormal MCHC. | Jaundice, dark urine, rapid breathing |
| Chronic Disease Anemia | Inflammatory cytokines suppress erythropoiesis and shorten red blood cell lifespan. | Weight loss, poor appetite, fever |
| Bone Marrow Disorders | Impaired erythropoiesis due to bone marrow infiltration or dysfunction. | Lethargy, pale gums, enlarged lymph nodes |
| Toxic Agents (e.g., Onions) | Hemolytic agents damage red blood cells, leading to shortened lifespan and abnormal MCHC. | Vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine |
Further tests a veterinarian may consider include:
- Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy to assess erythropoiesis and identify bone marrow disorders.
- Reticulocyte count to evaluate red blood cell production.
- Blood smear review for Heinz bodies, agglutination and red cell morphology, which explains most falsely elevated MCHC results.
- Iron studies (serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity) for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.
The choice of treatment is determined by the underlying cause. For example:
- In cases of iron deficiency anemia, the veterinarian may prescribe oral or injectable iron supplements to correct the deficiency.
- For immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents are commonly used to control the autoimmune response.
The exact dose, concentration, unit, and schedule of any prescribed treatment is determined by the attending veterinarian based on the individual cat’s condition. Early veterinary evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
How Does MCHC Compare with Other Blood Parameters?
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, reported in g/dL. It provides insight into the oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health of these cells. A value below the reference range points to hypochromia, while a value above it is usually a sample artifact rather than a disease state.
The MCHC (32-35 g/dL) is typically interpreted alongside other parameters such as hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution width (RDW). These markers collectively help diagnose anemia, polycythemia, or other blood disorders. For instance, a low MCHC value might suggest hypochromic anemia, where the hemoglobin concentration is lower than normal relative to the size of the cells. This condition can occur due to iron deficiency, chronic disease, or genetic factors affecting hemoglobin synthesis.
Conversely, a high MCHC does not identify a disease. Because MCHC is derived from hemoglobin and hematocrit, anything that releases hemoglobin into the plasma or disturbs the optical reading – hemolysis, lipemia, Heinz bodies, agglutination – pushes the calculated value up while the cat’s red cells themselves are unchanged.
Further tests that a veterinarian may consider include reticulocyte count, iron studies (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation), and bone marrow examination. These additional assessments help pinpoint the underlying cause of abnormal MCHC levels and guide appropriate treatment. For example, if a cat exhibits signs of anemia with low MCHC values, a reticulocyte count can determine whether the body is producing new red blood cells to compensate for the loss or destruction of existing ones.
Understanding these parameters in conjunction with clinical symptoms allows veterinarians to make more accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. For instance, if a cat presents with lethargy and pale gums, an MCHC test along with other hematological markers can help determine whether the condition is due to iron deficiency or another cause.
| Marker | What it Adds |
|---|---|
| Hemoglobin (10.9-15.7 g/dL) | Measures total hemoglobin concentration, indicating overall oxygen-carrying capacity. |
| Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) (40-52 fL) | Assesses the average size of red blood cells, helping differentiate between microcytic and macrocytic anemias. |
| Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) (13.2-17.5 %) | Evaluates the variability in red blood cell size, which can indicate iron deficiency or other causes of anemia. |
How to Interpret Your Cat’s MCHC Test Results?
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell, reported in g/dL. It provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity and quality of the red blood cells. A value above or below the normal reference range can indicate various hematological conditions that affect the health and function of these cells.
The normal reference range for MCHC in cats is 32-35 g/dL. An abnormal result, whether it’s significantly higher or lower than this range, should be interpreted