What does it measure?
MCHC estimates the concentration of hemoglobin within the space occupied by red blood cells. It is calculated from hemoglobin and hematocrit. MCH counts the amount in a cell; MCHC describes how densely that amount is packed. Both belong to the wider CBC picture. [1]
Before reading the calculation
- Inputs
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit from the same CBC.
- Calculation
- MCHC = hemoglobin (g/dL) × 100 ÷ hematocrit (%), reported in g/dL.
What can the result mean?
A low MCHC can accompany iron deficiency or thalassemia, when cells contain less concentrated hemoglobin. A high result can occur with certain red-cell shape changes, but it can also reflect sample interference. An unexpected high number is a reason to check consistency, not assume excess iron. [1]
Hemoglobin and hematocrit from the same CBC.
- Calculation
- MCHC = hemoglobin (g/dL) × 100 ÷ hematocrit (%), reported in g/dL.
When is it useful, and how is it read?
Low MCHC alongside low MCV and hemoglobin may fit iron deficiency or thalassemia. If MCHC is unexpectedly high or conflicts with the rest of the CBC, laboratory review and, when appropriate, a blood film help distinguish interference from a real cell change. [4]
What can affect it?
Cold-related cell clumping, a damaged sample, or very high blood fats can affect automated measurements. The clinician or laboratory can compare the result with other indices and, when needed, examine a blood smear to look at the cells directly.
An unusual result can start in the sample
A very high MCHC can sometimes reflect red cells clumping or a problem with the sample measurement. It can also accompany certain red cell disorders, so the laboratory pattern needs checking before drawing a conclusion. [4]
Questions you might have
How is MCHC different from MCH?
MCH is the amount of hemoglobin per cell; MCHC is its concentration within the red-cell volume. [2]
Does low MCHC identify the cause of anemia?
No. It describes a pattern that can occur in iron deficiency and inherited conditions such as thalassemia. The wider assessment decides the cause. [2]
What comes next?
Ask whether your hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV fit the same pattern. If iron deficiency is suspected, iron studies can help establish it. A treatment decision should address the underlying cause; MCHC itself is not a wellness number to push higher.
Do the other results support this MCHC, or should the sample be checked?
The reference interval and units on your report are part of understanding your result. Understand units, reference intervals, and treatment targets.
Sources & references
Medical references & original research
- MedlinePlus — Red blood cell indices
- MedlinePlus — Red blood cell indices
- Sarma PR — Red Cell Indices. In: Clinical Methods, 3rd edition (1990)
Books we consulted
References that informed our explanations of the test and its context.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2019.
Practical-section sources accessed: .
For general health education. Interpreting your result and deciding on tests or treatment requires your health context and a qualified clinician.
