Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Panel, Whole Blood — With or Without Control
This blood panel measures several parts of the mitochondrial respiratory chain to help evaluate possible mitochondrial disease or impaired energy production.
["The MRC panel looks for problems in mitochondria that may affect how cells use energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58740-2
- Short code
- MRCP Abd WO contr
- Synonyms
- MRCP Abd WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The mitochondrial respiratory chain is a group of proteins that helps cells convert nutrients into usable energy. This panel measures the activity or amount of several of these proteins in a whole-blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest a possible mitochondrial disorder, such as unexplained muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, fatigue, or problems affecting more than one organ system. It is usually interpreted together with medical history, other laboratory tests, and sometimes genetic testing.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and sent to a specialized laboratory for measurement of mitochondrial respiratory-chain components. Depending on the order, the laboratory may evaluate the specimen with or without a separate control sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required, but you should follow the laboratory's collection and timing instructions. Ask the ordering clinician whether fasting, medication changes, or avoiding strenuous exercise beforehand is appropriate for your situation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Reduced activity of one or more respiratory-chain components may suggest a mitochondrial disorder or another condition that interferes with cellular energy production. Results can also be affected by specimen handling, medications, nutritional status, or other illnesses, so abnormal findings require clinical interpretation rather than diagnosis by themselves. Follow-up may include additional biochemical testing, genetic testing, or specialist evaluation.
Short name
Mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) panel
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose a mitochondrial disease?
What is a control sample in this panel?
Do I need to fast or stop medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy