Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a laboratory measurement used to assess the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells. It is a key parameter in blood tests, offering insights into the hemoglobin content of the cells.

Blood smear showing red blood cells, used in calculating MCHC

Background

MCHC is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) by the hematocrit (percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells). It is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL), grams per liter (g/L), or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Reference Ranges

The normal reference ranges for MCHC in blood tests are:

• 32 to 36 g/dL (320 to 360 g/L)
• 4.81 to 5.58 mmol/L

These values are crucial for evaluating various blood conditions and for diagnosing anemias.

Calculation and Units

Although MCHC is a measure of concentration, it is sometimes reported in percentage (%), as if representing a mass fraction (mass of hemoglobin per mass of red blood cells). However, numerically, MCHC in g/dL and the mass fraction of hemoglobin in red blood cells in % are identical under the assumption of an RBC density of 1g/mL and negligible hemoglobin in plasma.

Clinical Significance

• High MCHC values can indicate conditions like hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
• Low MCHC values are observed in conditions like iron deficiency anemia and chronic blood loss.

External Links

• Mayo Clinic: Complete Blood Count
• MedlinePlus: Hemoglobin Test