MCHC · high result
What does a high MCHC mean?
Short answer
A high MCHC — cells that are unusually concentrated with hemoglobin — is uncommon and often a sample artifact (lipemia, cold agglutinins, hemolysis in the tube). When real, it points to hereditary spherocytosis, where the red cells lose membrane and become dense spheres, or to severe burns and some rare hemoglobin variants. A repeat on a fresh sample is the first step.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for MCHC?
- age 18+: 32.0 – 36.0 g/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: MCHC biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high MCHC?
- Sample artifact: high lipids, cold agglutinins, in-tube hemolysis, high white count
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with spherocytes
- Severe burns, sickle cell disease (some variants)
What symptoms go with high MCHC?
- None from MCHC itself
- Jaundice, enlarged spleen, gallstones and anemia in spherocytosis
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Repeat CBC on a fresh, warmed sample
- Peripheral smear for spherocytes; reticulocyte count, LDH, bilirubin, haptoglobin
- Hematology referral if hemolysis is confirmed
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) ($19.99), Haptoglobin ($101.99).
How do you recheck MCHC?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Blood Clotting Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $149.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| CBC with Differential | Test · 14 biomarkers | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Can MCHC be falsely high?
Yes, and it often is — lipemic or cold-agglutinated samples read high. Most labs flag values above ~37 g/dL for review before anything clinical is assumed.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.