A normal MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) level typically ranges from 32 to 36 g/dL (grams per deciliter). This value represents the average concentration of hemoglobin within your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
Understanding MCHC
MCHC is one of several red blood cell indices used to assess the health and function of your red blood cells. It's calculated by dividing the hemoglobin concentration by the hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood). A result outside the normal range can indicate various types of anemia or other blood disorders.
Several sources corroborate this normal range:
- Verywell Health states a normal MCHC is between 32 g/dL and 36 g/dL. They note that deviations from this range might point to different kinds of anemia, requiring further investigation. Understanding What MCHC Blood Test Results Mean - Verywell Health
- UCSF Health lists the normal MCHC range as 32 to 36 g/dL. RBC indices
- MedicineNet provides a similar range, stating average MCHC levels are between 32 and 36 gHb/100ml. Low and High MCHC in Blood Test: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- NCBI Bookshelf indicates normal values as 34 ± 2 g/dl. Red Cell Indices - Clinical Methods - NCBI Bookshelf
Important Note: An MCHC result should always be interpreted in conjunction with other blood tests and a physician's assessment. A high or low MCHC alone doesn't provide a complete diagnosis.
