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The reasons for the increase and decrease in the average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte

Medical expert of the article

Hematologist, oncohematologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021

MCHC is used for differential diagnosis of anemia. Reduction of ICSU is typical for hypochromic iron deficiency anemia, increase - for hyperchromic. Reduction of ICS is observed in diseases accompanied by a violation of hemoglobin synthesis.

Diseases and conditions accompanied by a change in MCHC

Enhancing MCHC

Reduction of MCHC (less than 31 g / L)

Hyperchromic anemia:

  • spherocytosis;
  • ovalocytosis

Hyperosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism

Hypochromic anemia:

  • iron deficiency;
  • sideroblastic;
  • thalassemia

Hypoosmolar disturbances of water-electrolyte metabolism

The value of MCHC makes it possible to diagnose the nature of disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance. In this case, it is necessary to analyze the direction of changes in MCHC values, and not their absolute values, since the analyzers measure erythrocytes in an artificial isoosmotic environment.


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