About Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells. It is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin by the hematocrit. MCHC provides insight into the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and is used to help diagnose the type and cause of an anemia.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
32.0 - 36.0 g/dL
Women's Optimal Range
32.0 - 36.0 g/dL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate hereditary spherocytosis or hyperchromic anemia, which can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.
Low
Low levels may be associated with iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and fatigue.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, paleness, and shortness of breath.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, and difficulty concentrating.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- oy, M., Zhen, Z., Dong, B., Chen, C., Dong, Y., Liu, C., Liang, W., & Xue, R. (2023). Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. *ESC Heart Failure*, 10(2), 1214–1221.
- iz-Argüelles, G. J. (2024). Mean cell hemoglobin value can be useful. *The Hematologist*, 21(5).
- n-Wauchope, A., Chetty, V. T., Ivica, J., Kavsak, P., Khan, W. I., Lafreniere, M., Nouri, K., & Solnica, B. (2022). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In *McMaster Textbook of Internal Medicine*.
- re, A. D. (2020). The complete blood count and white blood cell differential. In *Contemporary Practice in Clinical Chemistry* (4th ed.).
- ndrapu, S., & Noguez, J. (2018). Laboratory assessment of anemia. In *Advances in Clinical Chemistry*.