Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
MCHC test
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The concentration of hemoglobin within red cells; helps distinguish types of anemia. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
MCHC shows how tightly packed hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein, is inside your red blood cells. Cells with less of it can look paler, which may be one sign of low iron.
Why it matters for women
Low MCHC, which may mean paler red cells, can be a classic sign of low iron, which is common in women because of periods and pregnancy. It can change later than other red cell measures, so it’s read together with them.
You might check it if…
- your periods are heavy or last a long time
- you often feel tired, weak or short of breath
- you’re pregnant, planning to be, or recently gave birth
- a past test showed low iron or anemia
What your result may mean
High MCHC: what it may mean
High MCHC may mean hemoglobin is packed unusually tightly inside your red blood cells, a finding that can be uncommon. It can occur in hereditary spherocytosis, an inherited condition that makes red cells round and fragile, or in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, when the immune system breaks down red cells. Certain lab interferences can also raise the number, including cold agglutinins (antibodies that clump red cells), very fatty blood or a damaged sample. When red cells are breaking down, you may notice tiredness, yellowish skin or dark urine. A clinician may repeat the test or review a blood smear before reading much into it.
Low MCHC: what it may mean
Low MCHC may mean your red blood cells hold less hemoglobin than expected and look paler (hypochromic), classically from iron deficiency. It can also occur with thalassemia, an inherited blood condition, or with long-term illness. Periods and pregnancy can use up iron, so women can be more prone to this result. MCHC can change later than MCV and other red cell measures, so it may look normal early in iron deficiency. Symptoms can include tiredness, pale skin, headaches or shortness of breath with activity, although a mild drop may go unnoticed.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.