Medical expert of the article
New publications
Causes of increases and decreases in the average hemoglobin concentration in the erythrocyte
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
MCHC is used for differential diagnostics of anemias. A decrease in MCHC is typical for hypochromic iron deficiency anemias, an increase - for hyperchromic ones. A decrease in MCHC is observed in diseases accompanied by a violation of hemoglobin synthesis.
Diseases and conditions associated with changes in MCHC
Increase MCHC |
Decreased MCHC (less than 31 g/L) |
Hyperchromic anemia:
Hyperosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism |
Hypochromic anemia:
Hypoosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism |
The MCHC value allows diagnosing the nature of water-electrolyte imbalance disorders. In this case, it is necessary to analyze the direction of the change in MCHC values, and not their absolute values, since analyzers measure erythrocytes in an artificial isoosmotic medium.