MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

Type:

Calculated value

MCHC represents the average concentration of hemoglobin within a given volume of red blood cells.

It helps assess the efficiency of hemoglobin in carrying oxygen within red blood cells, providing insight into the overall health and functionality of red blood cells.

Primary Function:

Normal Values:

32 - 36 g/dL

Low MCHC levels can suggest hypochromic anemia, where red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal, often due to iron deficiency. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Symptoms/Pathology in Deficiency:

High MCHC levels can indicate conditions where red blood cells are overly saturated with hemoglobin, such as in spherocytosis or certain types of anemia. This may also occur due to dehydration or other factors that concentrate the blood.

Symptoms/Pathology in Increase: