Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes. Consult a physician to interpret your test results. Lissa Health helps track biomarker trends but does not replace medical advice.
What This Test Measures
MCHC shows the average concentration of hemoglobin within a red blood cell — how densely hemoglobin is packed. It is an important marker of hypochromia.
Low MCHC is typical of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Elevation may occur in hereditary spherocytosis and certain lab artifacts (cold agglutinins).
MCHC is used with MCV and RDW to differentially diagnose microcytic anemias.
Normal Ranges
| Group | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 32–36 g/dL (320–360 g/L) |
| Women | 32–36 g/dL |
| Children | 32–36.5 g/dL |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay method.
Causes of High Levels
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Lab artifacts (agglutination)
- Hyperlipidemia (rare, lab error)
Causes of Low Levels
- Iron deficiency
- Thalassemia
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Lead poisoning
Test Preparation
- No preparation required
Related Biomarkers
| Biomarker | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) | Absolute Hb per RBC |
| Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) | Red cell size variability |
| Iron | Serum iron |
FAQ
How often should I take this test?
With every CBC when anemia is suspected.
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
Low MCHC + low ferritin suggests iron therapy after ruling out other causes.
Last updated: June 2026