Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration

Haematology marker

MCHC

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration

Category: Haematology
Unit: g/L

Average concentration of haemoglobin in red blood cells.

PED Notes

Not typically affected by AAS. Low MCHC can indicate iron deficiency. Useful alongside MCH and MCV to classify anaemia type.

When low (<310 g/L -- hypochromic red cells):

Cause: Iron deficiency is the most common cause. Red cells are pale because they contain less haemoglobin per unit volume.

Supplements:

  • Iron Bisglycinate -- 25-50mg/day with Vitamin C 500mg for absorption

Context:

  • Low MCHC with low MCV and low MCH = classic iron deficiency pattern
  • Confirm with iron studies (Ferritin <30 ug/L is diagnostic)
  • For AAS users who donate blood regularly, iron supplementation between donations is essential

When high (>360 g/L):

  • Rare and usually a laboratory artefact (lipemia, cold agglutinins, or haemolysis in the sample)
  • True high MCHC is seen in hereditary spherocytosis (unlikely in this context)
  • If persistently elevated, request repeat sample and review blood film

References:

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

310 - 360 g/L

Statistics