MCH vs MCHC — what's the difference?
MCH measures hemoglobin per red cell (mass). MCHC measures hemoglobin per cell volume (concentration). Both echo MCV findings and rarely drive action in isolation.
Full answer
MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) are related but distinct CBC indices. MCH measures the average mass of hemoglobin per red blood cell, in picograms. MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin per red blood cell volume, in g/dL. Both move together with MCV in most anemia patterns. MCHC has additional uses: persistently elevated MCHC can indicate hereditary spherocytosis; very low MCHC supports iron deficiency. Neither typically drives clinical action in isolation — both are interpreted within the CBC indices set.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- MCV — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29