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MCHC

Anemia Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Anemia

Overview

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) measures the average concentration of haemoglobin inside a red blood cell (RBC). It is calculated from haemoglobin and haematocrit and helps classify anaemias as hypochromic, normochromic or (less commonly) hyperchromic. Low MCHC suggests less haemoglobin per RBC (eg, iron‑deficiency anaemia, some thalassaemias); high MCHC is seen in conditions with dense, spherical RBCs or haemolysis (eg, hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune haemolysis). Symptoms prompting testing include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness or unexplained bruising. MCHC is fairly stable across adults with minor age/sex differences; infants and newborns have different normal ranges and iron‑loss states in women can lower values.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Included in: Complete Blood Count (CBC) / Anaemia profile.
Symptoms: fatigue, pallor, breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness.
Diagnoses/monitoring: iron‑deficiency anaemia, thalassaemia trait, haemolytic anaemias, hereditary spherocytosis, response to iron therapy.
Reasons for abnormal levels: low = iron deficiency, chronic blood loss, thalassaemia; high = spherocytosis, autoimmune haemolysis, RBC dehydration or lab artifact.
Biological meaning: low MCHC = reduced haemoglobin concentration in RBCs; high MCHC = unusually concentrated haemoglobin per RBC.
Lifestyle/family history: poor dietary iron, heavy menstrual bleeding, inherited haemolytic disorders warrant testing.

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Understanding Test Results

Values <32 g/dL indicate hypochromic red cells and suggest iron‑deficiency anaemia, chronic blood loss, or thalassaemia trait; values <30 g/dL usually reflect significant hypochromia requiring evaluation (iron studies, smear).
Values 32–36 g/dL are normal.
Values >36 g/dL suggest hyperchromic/red cells that are abnormally dense—commonly hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune haemolysis; 36–38 g/dL may be true elevation, while >38–40 g/dL should prompt repeat testing because such high readings are often due to artefact (lipaemia, cold agglutinins, instrument error).
Always interpret MCHC with haemoglobin, MCV, peripheral smear, reticulocyte count and targeted tests (iron studies, DAT, haemoglobin electrophoresis).

Normal Range

32-36 g/dL OR 320-360 g/L

FAQs

Q: What happens if MCHC is high?

A: A high MCHC suggests red blood cells with increased hemoglobin concentration, often seen in hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and sometimes after burns, dehydration, or due to lab artifact. It can indicate hemolysis (jaundice, high bilirubin, low haptoglobin). Repeat testing and further evaluation—peripheral smear, reticulocyte count, Coombs test—and clinician review are recommended.

Q: What does MCHC low mean?

A: Low MCHC means red blood cells have reduced hemoglobin concentration (hypochromia). It most often indicates iron‑deficiency anemia but can occur with chronic blood loss, thalassemia or other disorders. Clinically it may cause pallor, fatigue and reduced oxygen delivery. Further tests (ferritin, iron studies, CBC indices, reticulocyte count and sometimes hemoglobin electrophoresis) help identify and treat the cause.

Q: How to improve MCHC in blood?

A: To raise MCHC, get a medical evaluation and blood tests to find the cause. If iron deficiency is present, take prescribed oral iron and eat iron-rich foods (red meat, legumes, dark leafy greens) with vitamin C to boost absorption; avoid tea/coffee with meals. Correct B12/folate deficiencies or treat chronic disease as advised, and monitor improvement with follow-up blood tests.

Q: What is MCV vs MCH vs MCHC?

A: MCV (mean corpuscular volume) measures average red blood cell size in femtoliters (fL) and helps classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic. MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) is the average hemoglobin amount per red cell in picograms (pg). MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is hemoglobin concentration within red cells in g/dL, used to identify hypochromic vs normochromic anemia.

Q: What to eat if MCHC is high?

A: If MCHC is high, focus on the underlying cause: stay well hydrated and eat folate-rich foods (leafy greens, beans), adequate vitamin B12 (meat, dairy, fortified foods) and vitamin C-rich fruits to support red-cell health and iron absorption. Avoid unnecessary iron supplements and excess alcohol. A balanced diet with lean protein and antioxidants helps, but see your clinician for specific testing and tailored advice.

Q: Can stress cause high MCHC?

A: Stress doesn't directly raise MCHC. Elevated MCHC is usually due to conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis, hemolysis, lab artifacts, or dehydration. Stress can indirectly affect MCHC if it causes dehydration (concentrating blood) or triggers acute hemolysis in susceptible people. Persistent or unexpected MCHC changes warrant medical evaluation and repeat testing to identify the underlying cause.