What Is MCHC in a Blood Test? Low & High MCHC Explained
Also known as: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, MCHC blood test
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) measures the average concentration of hemoglobin — the oxygen-carrying protein — packed inside your red blood cells. It's reported automatically on a complete blood count (CBC). A normal MCHC is roughly 32–36 g/dL; a low MCHC often points to iron-deficiency anemia, while a high MCHC can suggest certain red-cell disorders or be a lab artifact.
MCHC normal range
| Category | Range (g/dL) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 32–36 g/dL |
| Low (hypochromic) | < 32 g/dLOften iron deficiency |
| High (hyperchromic) | > 36 g/dLUncommon; investigate causes |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the range printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
What high MCHC can mean
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Lab measurement artifact (a common cause of a falsely high value)
- Severe dehydration
What low MCHC can mean
- Iron-deficiency anemia (the most common cause)
- Thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders
- Chronic disease
What to do about an abnormal result
- MCHC is interpreted with MCV, MCH, hemoglobin, and iron studies — never alone.
- A low MCHC usually prompts checking iron and ferritin levels.
- An isolated high MCHC is often rechecked, since it can be a measurement effect.
Understand your own results
Vero reads your uploaded labs and explains what your specific numbers mean — in the context of your health history, medications, and goals. Not generic ranges. Yours.
Download Vero on the App StoreFree to download. No credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
What does low MCHC mean?
A low MCHC means your red blood cells contain less hemoglobin than normal, giving them a paler appearance (hypochromia). The most common cause is iron-deficiency anemia. It's evaluated together with MCV, hemoglobin, and iron studies like ferritin.
Is high MCHC serious?
Not always. A high MCHC is uncommon and is frequently a laboratory artifact rather than a real finding. When genuine, it can indicate red-cell conditions like hereditary spherocytosis, so doctors typically recheck it and review the rest of the CBC.
Related biomarkers
Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Ayham Shneker, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.