Hematocrit is the percentage of red cells in your blood.
Normal levels of hematocrit for men range from 41% to 50%.
Normal level for women is 36% to 48%.
What is hematocrit?
The hematocrit level is simply the percentage of red cells in your blood. For example, a level of 38% is considered the minimum needed for donating blood.
Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of red cells in your blood. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, suspended in plasma. Together, those comprise about 45% of the volume of our blood, but the specific percentages of each can vary.
The importance of hematocrit:
Hematocrit is a significant measurement as it can identify whether you have sufficient red blood cells for oxygen transportation and delivery.
Hematocrit is important because red blood cells are essential to your survival. They contain a vital protein component called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen, which fuels all the cells in your body. When red blood cells pass through your lungs, they bind to and transport oxygen to various cells in your body. On their way back to your lungs, they carry carbon dioxide to be exhaled.
Why is the hematocrit test performed?
The hematocrit test checks for anemia, usually along with a hemoglobin test or as part of a complete blood count (CBC). This test can screen for, diagnose, or monitor many conditions and diseases that affect the blood's proportion made up of red blood cells (RBCs).
What is a normal hematocrit level?
Normal hematocrit levels vary based on age and race, gender, etc.
In adults, normal levels for men range from 41%-50%. For women, the normal range is slightly lower: 36%-44%. A hematocrit level below the normal range, meaning the person has too few red blood cells, is called anemia. A hematocrit level above the normal range, meaning too many red blood cells, may indicate polycythemia or erythrocytosis.
What are symptoms of anemia?
Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness.
What are symptoms of polycythemia?
Symptoms of polycythemia include fatigue, itching, headaches, and sweating.
What are symptoms of erythrocytosis?
Symptoms of erythrocytosis includes headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.
What is the difference between a hematocrit and a hemoglobin test?
Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Hemoglobin is a part of your red blood cell. Hemoglobin helps your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Hemoglobin also gives your red blood cells their color. A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
What is the origin of the word "hematocrit"?
The term "hematocrit" (british english: haematocrit) originated from the ancient greek word haimas (= blood) and krites (= judge) and hematocrit means "to separate blood".
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Some causes of a high hematocrit include:
- Dehydration—this is the most common cause of a high hematocrit. As the volume of fluid in the blood drops, the RBCs per volume of fluid artificially rises; with adequate fluid intake, the hematocrit returns to normal.
- Living at high altitudes (a compensation for decreased oxygen in the air)
- Smoking
- Lung (pulmonary) disease—if someone cannot breathe in and absorb sufficient oxygen, the body tries to compensate by producing more red blood cells.
- Congenital heart disease—in some forms, there is an abnormal connection between the two sides of the heart, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. The body tries to compensate by producing more red blood cells.
- Genetic causes (altered oxygen sensing, abnormality in hemoglobin oxygen release)
- Kidney tumor that produces excess erythropoietin
- Polycythemia vera—a rare disease in which the body produces excess RBCs inappropriately.
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To decrease elevated hematocrit levels, it's crucial to address the underlying cause and follow a personalized treatment plan. General strategies include ensuring adequate hydration to dilute the blood, undergoing phlebotomy if medically advised, especially in cases like polycythemia vera, and managing any underlying health conditions such as lung or heart disease. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular exercise, can also positively influence hematocrit levels. In some cases, specific medications or oxygen therapy might be prescribed, especially for chronic lung conditions. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential for effective management and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. These general approaches should always be complemented by professional medical advice tailored to the individual's health situation.
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Look for Possible Connected Biomarkers:
A high hematocrit alongside with a high RBC count and high hemoglobin indicates polycythemia.
A high hematocrit level, alongside elevated red blood cell (RBC) count and increased hemoglobin, indicates a condition where the blood has an unusually high concentration of red blood cells. This situation, known as polycythemia, can lead to increased blood viscosity, potentially causing sluggish blood flow and an increased risk of thrombosis. Polycythemia can be primary, as in polycythemia vera, a type of blood cancer, or secondary due to various factors like chronic hypoxia, smoking, or certain tumors. The increased blood viscosity can lead to various complications, including an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause but may include phlebotomy (regular blood removal), medications to decrease blood cell production, or addressing the underlying condition causing secondary polycythemia. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and staying well hydrated, are also important in managing the condition.
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Look for Possible Connected Biomarkers: Low hematocrit + low RBC count + low hemoglobin indicates anemia.
Anemia is usually defined as a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood. It can also be defined as a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Some causes of low hematocrit include:
- Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, folate, or B12 deficiency.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases or conditions.
- Excessive loss of blood from, for example, severe trauma, or chronic bleeding from sites such as the digestive tract (e.g., ulcers, polyps, colon cancer), the bladder or uterus (in women, heavy menstrual bleeding, for example).
- Damage to the bone marrow from, for example, a toxin, radiation or chemotherapy, infection, or drugs.
- Bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other cancers spread to the marrow.
-Kidney failure—severe and chronic kidney diseases lead to decreased erythropoietin production, a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulate RBC production by the bone marrow.
- Decreased production of hemoglobin (e.g., thalassemia)
- Excessive destruction of red blood cells. That is caused by autoimmunity or defects in the red blood cell itself. For example, hemolytic anemia.
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Haemoglobin (g/L), Hematocrit (Female range), Hematocrit (HCT) / Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Hemoglobin, Hemoglobin (Female range), Mean Cell Volume, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet count / Platelets, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR), RBC (Female range), RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width) in %, RDW-SD (Red Cell Distribution Width) in fL, Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes / RBC), White blood cells (Leukocytes / WBC)
