Introduction to Laboratory Medicine Practice Test

When the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is normal, it is described as normochromic. MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells, which is crucial for determining the color and oxygen-carrying capacity of these cells.

In a normochromic state, the red blood cells contain a normal level of hemoglobin, which is reflected in an adequate color and density when examined microscopically. This normal MCHC indicates that the red blood cells are well saturated with hemoglobin, contributing effectively to oxygen transport.

Other options refer to conditions that describe the hemoglobin levels relative to red blood cell size or concentration. Hypochromic indicates a lower than normal hemoglobin concentration, often seen in conditions like iron deficiency anemia. Hyperchromic suggests an abnormally high hemoglobin concentration, which can occur in certain types of anemia or dehydration. Microcytic refers to the size of the red blood cells being smaller than normal, which is generally associated with iron deficiency or certain chronic diseases. Therefore, when the MCHC is normal, it confirms that the hemoglobin concentration within the red blood cells is at an expected level, categorizing it as normochrom