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Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.
The hematocrit is almost always ordered as part of a complete blood count.
Alternative NamesHCT
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have signs of:
- Anemia
- Diet deficiency
- Leukemia
- Other medical condition
Normal results vary, but in general are as follows:
- Male: 40.7 - 50.3%
- Female: 36.1 - 44.3%
Normal value ranges vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanLow hematocrit may be due to:
- Anemia
- Bleeding
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Leukemia
- Malnutrition
- Nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6
- Overhydration
High hematocrit may be due to:
- Congenital heart disease
- Cor pulmonale
- Dehydration
- Erythrocytosis
- Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Polycythemia vera
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.
What else can I help you with?
What machine test hematocrit?
hematocrit machine ......
Which is a better indicator for anemia hemoglobin or hematocrit?
hematocrit
How does a bacterial infection effect a hematocrit?
It doesn't effect the hematocrit at all
Which sex has a higher hematocrit generally?
Hematocrit will be present generally in everybody body,but adult female as higher hematocrit. Range of 42% to 52%.
The volume of erythrocytes within a given volume of whole blood expressed as a percentage is?
Hematocrit
What is the lab value of hematocrit?
Normal Hematocrit for Men is 41-53%Normal for Female is 36-46%
Does malaria cause hematocrit and platelets to drop?
yes malaria causes increase of ESR and decrease of hematocrit.
What is the normal hematocrit level for men?
The normal hematocrit level for men is typically between 41 to 50.
Who discovered hematocrit?
Wintrobe
What is the medical abbreviation hematocrit mean?
Hematocrit is not an abbreviation. It is the ratio of plasma and the formed elements leukocytes, thrombocytes and erythrocytes.
Long term athletic training will cause a person to increase hematocrit?
No, their hematocrit will decrease. Though they may gain RBC, their plasma volume will have a greater increase in volume, thus decreasing the hematocrit concentration.
Is hematocrit a low blood count?
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of blood volume that is composed of red blood cells. A low hematocrit level can indicate anemia or other medical conditions, suggesting a lower than normal red blood cell count. Therefore, while hematocrit itself is not a "blood count," a low hematocrit level typically reflects a low red blood cell count.
