What is hematocrit?

Hematocrit or HCT, refers to the amount of red blood cells throughout the blood volume. It is measured as a percentage. Sometimes it is also referred to as the volume of packaged cells. Hematocrit is measured by a blood test. Abnormal levels may be a sign of various medical diseases or conditions.

Often the HCT test is ordered as part of complete blood numbers. It can be repeated several times to see if some conditions such as anemia have improved. The test involves obtaining blood from a vein. The vein, often in the arm or hands, is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, the needle is inserted into the vein and the blood is taken.

Although blood tests are considered routine and rarely result in complications, problems are possible. The infection may develop, especially if the space has not been well cleaned before sending blood. Other rare complications that may occur include excessive bleeding and hematoma at the site.

Once blood is taken, it is analyzed through special laboratory equipment to determinehematocrit. Laboratory equipment varies and various techniques can be used to obtain measurements. The thick blood containing red blood cells is separated from the liquid component of the blood after the centrifugal component. This helps to determine the percentage of the whole blood volume that contains red blood cells.

Normal levels will vary depending on the sex and age of the patient. For example, newborns are normal ranges between 55 and 68 percent. At the age of 10, 36 to 41 percent are considered normal. Normal values ​​of adult men are 42 to 54 percent and in adult women the normal number is 38 to 46 percent.

low levels of hematocrit can indicate different conditions such as excessive blood loss or nutritional deficiency. Bone marrow disease, such as leukemia, can also reduce red blood cells and result in low hematocrit.

different conditions can also cause increased hematocrit. Some PLI diseasesC, such as chronic obstructive lung disease, can cause an increased ratio of red blood cells. Dehydration and being at high altitude can also often lead to increased hematocrit.

Another reason to check HCT may be to control blood doping among athletes. When the athlete uses steroids, medicines can increase the percentage of red blood cells in the body and increase hematocrit above normal. The HCT level is often taken over to professional athletes to determine what their HCT percentage is. This level is compared with random projections performed to control blood doping.