In a blood sample, a raised MCHC might indicate what condition?

A raised mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) indicates that the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells is elevated. This measurement often reflects changes in red blood cell properties, such as increased hemoglobin content or a reduction in red cell volume.

When hyperchromic cells are present, it signifies that the cells contain more hemoglobin than normal, which corresponds with a high MCHC. This situation typically occurs in conditions like hereditary spherocytosis or in cases where dehydration affects the concentration of red blood cells, leading to an artificially increased MCHC.

In contrast, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and iron deficiency anemia typically present with low or normal MCHC levels. Hemolytic anemia may result in reticulocytosis and variations in cell size, while aplastic anemia is characterized by a reduction in red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts, often giving rise to a normal or low MCHC. Iron deficiency leads to microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells, which also correspond to a lower MCHC. Therefore, identifying hyperchromic cells is a strong indicator of a raised MCHC, making it the correct association in this