Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

MCHC reflects how densely hemoglobin is packed inside red blood cells.

Clinical uses include:

Classifying anemia (hypochromic, normochromic, hyperchromic).

Supporting diagnosis of conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and thalassemia.

Monitoring red blood cell health in routine blood work.

The test is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel.

Analyte: Average hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell.

Normal Range: Approximately 32–36 g/dL (varies slightly by lab).

Low MCHC: Suggests hypochromic anemia (e.g., iron deficiency, thalassemia).

High MCHC: May indicate hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or laboratory artifact.

Clinical Use:

Helps classify anemia type.

Provides supportive information alongside MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) and MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin).

Guides further diagnostic testing and treatment.