If MCHC/MCH is larger, the cells are described as?

• A. Hypochromic
• B. Normochromic
• C. Macrochromic
• D. Hyperchromic

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how much hemoglobin each red blood cell contains and how concentrated it is inside the cell. MCH tells you the amount of hemoglobin per cell, and MCHC tells you how concentrated that hemoglobin is within the cell. When these values are larger, cells carry more hemoglobin and stain more darkly under the microscope. That darker staining is described as hyperchromic. In contrast, lower values mean less hemoglobin per cell and lighter staining (hypochromic), while normal values produce normochromic cells. Macrochromic isn’t the typical term used for color alone; it would imply size-related changes, whereas color is governed by Hb content and concentration, hence hyperchromic is the correct descriptor.