MCHC
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of haemoglobin inside the red blood cells.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of haemoglobin inside the red blood cells. Where MCH describes the amount per cell, MCHC describes how densely packed the haemoglobin is relative to cell size. It is calculated from the blood count and read together with MCV and MCH.
Intake of iron, vitamin B12 and folate, heavy menstruation and blood donation affect how red blood cells are built. Inherited traits of the red blood cells play a part, and how the sample is handled can affect the measured value.
Foods that help
Meat, fish, eggs, legumes, whole grains and dark leafy greens provide iron, B12 and folate. Pairing plant sources of iron with vitamin C-rich foods such as peppers, citrus or berries helps uptake.
Foods to limit
Coffee and tea with meals reduce iron uptake. Large amounts of alcohol affect red blood cell production.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
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