MCHC

Understanding the marker

MCHC is the average concentration of haemoglobin within red blood cells. It adds information to the cell size and the amount of haemoglobin per cell.

MCHC is a calculated red cell index interpreted with the rest of the blood count. An unusual result may reflect a clinical condition or interference with the sample; it should not automatically be dismissed as a sampling problem.

What does high MCHC mean?

High MCHC is an unusual blood-count finding. The other cell measurements and laboratory checks help determine its significance. It should not automatically be dismissed as a sample problem.

What does low MCHC mean?

Low MCHC means the red cells contain a lower concentration of haemoglobin. Other blood-count results and iron tests help determine whether iron availability or another factor explains the change.