What is the difference between Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)?

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Last updated: February 13, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Research

Definition and Difference

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ].
  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell, calculated as MCH divided by Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) [ 1, 3, 5 ].

Clinical Significance

  • Both MCH and MCHC are important parameters in the diagnosis and classification of anemia [ 1, 2, 3 ].
  • MCHC is used to detect iron deficiency and other blood disorders [ 2, 5 ].
  • Abnormal values of MCH and MCHC can indicate various health issues, such as iron deficiency, anemia, and hemochromatosis [ 2, 3, 4 ].

Measurement and Calculation

  • MCH is typically measured in picograms (pg) per cell [ 3 ].
  • MCHC is typically measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) [ 1, 5 ].
  • MCHC is calculated by dividing MCH by MCV [ 3 ].

References

1
Research

Two Cases of False Elevation of MCHC.

Clinical laboratory, 2024

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