Definition: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. MCHC is used to help diagnose the type (cause) and severity of anemia. When MCHC is low, this can mean a person has iron-deficiency anemia. This type of anemia can be caused by insufficient iron in the diet or by blood loss. Blood loss, such as what might occur with tumors in the colon and other parts of gastrointestinal tract, can cause low iron levels and a low MCHC.
High MCHC levels may indicate the presence of macrocytic anemia and can have a variety of causes, including liver disease, and deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid (folate).
Pronunciation: meen core-pus-cue-ler heem-oh-globe-in con-sen-tray-shon
Also Known As: MCHC
