Medical expert of the article
New publications
The reasons for the increase and decrease in the average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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 diagnosis of anemia. Reduction of ICSU is typical for hypochromic iron deficiency anemia, increase - for hyperchromic. Reduction of ICS is observed in diseases accompanied by a violation of hemoglobin synthesis.
Diseases and conditions accompanied by a change in MCHC
Enhancing MCHC |
Reduction of MCHC (less than 31 g / L) |
Hyperchromic anemia:
Hyperosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism |
Hypochromic anemia:
Hypoosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism |
The value of MCHC makes it possible to diagnose the nature of disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance. In this case, it is necessary to analyze the direction of changes in MCHC values, and not their absolute values, since the analyzers measure erythrocytes in an artificial isoosmotic environment.