What are the normal levels of hematocrit?
Hematocrit, or HCT, is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells contained in full blood volume. Another term for hematocrit is the volume of cells or PCVs. The values obtained in this test depend on the number and size of red blood cells. Normal hematocrit levels in adult men are 38.8% to 50% and in adult women 34.9% to 44.5%. Range for children aged 15 years and younger will vary according to age and gender.
It is useful to know what to expect when this blood number is done. Laboratory technician draws a blood sample from a vein, usually from inside the elbow or back of the hand. Technicians will first tie the elastic band around the arm to cause the vein to increase with blood. The needle will then be inserted into the vein, causing the blood to collect in the bottle. Once the whole blood sample is obtained, the needle is removed and the dressing will be placed through the puncture to stop the bleeding.
After drawing a blood sample, the process of determining whether it contains normal levels of hematocrit, fromAčená placement in a spinning device known as centrifugation. This machine will apply a very rapid twisting on the tube, which will lead to the division of blood into three components. Three parts of the blood consist of liquid, otherwise known as plasma, red blood cells and the remaining blood cells. Once the blood has been divided into its components, the laboratory technician can determine the percentage of red blood cells.
Lower than normal and higher than-normal levels of hematocrit may be due to various health conditions or shortcomings. Lower HCT values can be caused by anemia or leukemia, as well as destruction of red blood cells, exaggeration and malnutrition. Nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 also create lower HCT levels. Different medical disorders can also produce higher than normal hematocrit levels, such as erythrocytosis blood states, polycythemia Vera and low blood oxygen levels. Other diseases include congenital heart disease, corlmonale and pulmonary fibrosis or simpler reason, dehydration.
Some conditions may affect the result of the hematocrit test, causing the results to be inaccurate. Such situations include life at high altitude, pregnancy or severe dehydration. A significant recent blood loss or recent transfusion can also bring misleading results. Doctors will take into account these factors when they interpret readings.