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.

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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

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration Resources
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