Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

Low MCHC: What Does It Mean?

A low MCHC may occur in hypochromic patterns such as iron deficiency or thalassemia.

Test summary

Test name: MCHC
Abbreviations: MCHC
Category: Hematology
Panel: RBC Indices / Hemogram
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: g/dL

What does the test measure?

Shows the average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells.

Why is the test ordered?

Provides information about hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells and contributes to the assessment of anemia patterns.

Information about a low result

A low MCHC may occur in hypochromic patterns such as iron deficiency or thalassemia.

Information about a high result

A high MCHC can occur in some conditions such as hemolytic anemia or hereditary spherocytosis; technical or specimen-related effects also need consideration.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference range 1

>= 32 – <= 36 g/dL

Population: General
Specimen: Whole blood

Example reference interval

MedlinePlus example.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

A low MCHC can occur in conditions such as iron deficiency or thalassemia and should be interpreted with MCV, MCH, and ferritin.

Related specialties

Hematology
Internal Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

CBC blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · CBC components; example adult reference ranges; high/low RBC, WBC and platelet context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW definitions and interpretation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026