In the Rule of 3, what is the acceptable MCHC range?

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Multiple Choice

In the Rule of 3, what is the acceptable MCHC range?

The Rule of 3 provides quick checks on CBC consistency, including that the MCHC falls within a normal range. When expressed in g/L, the normal MCHC is about 320–360 g/L (which corresponds to 32–36 g/dL). So the acceptable MCHC range is 320–360 g/L. Think of a typical CBC: if your hemoglobin is around 15 g/dL and the hematocrit is about 45%, the MCHC would be 15 ÷ 45 × 100 ≈ 33 g/dL, i.e., about 330 g/L—squarely within that range. Values outside this window can flag issues such as measurement errors, extremely hypochromic or hyperchromic cells, or artifactual factors like lipemia or cold agglutinins. The other ranges—lower or higher than 320–360 g/L—do not align with the usual MCHC seen in normal physiology, which is why the 320–360 g/L choice is the best answer.

The Rule of 3 provides quick checks on CBC consistency, including that the MCHC falls within a normal range. When expressed in g/L, the normal MCHC is about 320–360 g/L (which corresponds to 32–36 g/dL). So the acceptable MCHC range is 320–360 g/L.

Think of a typical CBC: if your hemoglobin is around 15 g/dL and the hematocrit is about 45%, the MCHC would be 15 ÷ 45 × 100 ≈ 33 g/dL, i.e., about 330 g/L—squarely within that range. Values outside this window can flag issues such as measurement errors, extremely hypochromic or hyperchromic cells, or artifactual factors like lipemia or cold agglutinins.

The other ranges—lower or higher than 320–360 g/L—do not align with the usual MCHC seen in normal physiology, which is why the 320–360 g/L choice is the best answer.

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