What is the term used to describe a decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)?

The term used to describe a decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is "hypochromic." MCHC is a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells. When MCHC levels are low, it indicates that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal, which results in a paler appearance of the red blood cells when viewed under a microscope. This pale appearance is referred to as hypochromia.

Hypochromic red blood cells are commonly seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, where there is insufficient hemoglobin synthesis due to a lack of iron. The identification of hypochromia can help in diagnosing and understanding various anemic conditions, making it a clinically important term.

In contrast, normochromic refers to red blood cells that have a normal amount of hemoglobin, imparting a typical color, while hyperchromic indicates red blood cells with an increased hemoglobin concentration, which can lead to a darker appearance. Anisocytosis refers to a variation in the size of red blood cells, unrelated to their hemoglobin content. Understanding these terms is crucial for interpreting laboratory findings in hematology.