Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

The MCHC is a measure of the concentration of hemoglobin within a red blood cell.

This measurement is useful in evaluating the clinical response of an anemic patient to therapy.

  • Elevated MCHC is associated with spherocytosis
  • Normal MCHC is associated with pernicious anemia.
  • Diminished MCH is associated with:
    •  Iron deficiency
    • Chronic blood loss
    • Thalassemia

Normal Values*

MCHC 31-37 g Hgb/dl

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

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