---
title: "What does a high MCHC mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mchc/high"
biomarker: MCHC
direction: high
reference_range:
  - "age 18+: 32.0 – 36.0 g/dL"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-08
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a high MCHC mean?

> 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.


## What is the normal range for MCHC?

- age 18+: 32.0 – 36.0 g/dL



## What are the common causes of high MCHC?

1. Sample artifact: high lipids, cold agglutinins, in-tube hemolysis, high white count
2. Hereditary spherocytosis
3. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with spherocytes
4. 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 at TestWell: [LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/ldh-test) ($19.99), [Haptoglobin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/haptoglobin-test) ($101.99).

## How do you recheck MCHC?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel (4 tests) | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| [Blood Clotting Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/blood-clotting-panel) | Panel (4 tests) | $149.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel (5 tests) | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) | Test | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## 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.

## Related

- [What does a low MCHC mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mchc/low)
- [MCHC reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mchc)
- [Hemoglobin reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin)
- [Hematocrit reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hematocrit)
- [White Blood Cell Count reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/white-blood-cell-count)

## Sources

- [AACC Lab Tests Online](https://www.testing.com/tests/red-blood-cell-indices/)
- [MedlinePlus (NIH) — RBC indices](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003648.htm)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-08. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mchc/high
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.