What Does Low MCHC Mean?
Low MCHC means red blood cells are pale (hypochromia) — they have less hemoglobin than normal.
Causes
- Iron deficiency anemia — most common
- Thalassemia
- Chronic inflammation
- Lead poisoning
Pattern
- Low MCHC + low MCV = iron deficiency or thalassemia
- Check ferritin to distinguish
- High RDW suggests iron deficiency; normal RDW suggests thalassemia
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
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