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Hematocrit (HCT) is a test that allows you to determine what percentage of your total blood volume is made up of red blood cells. Both lowered and elevated hematocrit levels are indicative of serious disease. Check what are the standards for hematocrit and what low and high hematocrit means!

Hematocrit: what is this?

Hematocrit (HCT)is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells (erythrocytes) to the volume of blood. Hematocrit allows you todetermine the percentage of erythrocytesto the remaining blood morphotic elements:thrombocytes (platelets) and leukocytes (white blood cells).

If, for example, the hematocrit content is 50%, it means that for 100 ml of blood 50% of morphotic elements are red blood cells.

Hematocrit: indications for the HCT test

The hematocrit test is in most cases performed in the scope of the basic blood test - morphology. This type ofexamination should be performed prophylactically once a year.

Blood morphology is also ordered when disturbing symptoms appear, e.g. :

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • lack of energy
  • pale skin

These symptoms could indicate anemia.

Hematocrit: what is the HCT test?

In most cases, HCT is done by taking blood from a vein in the arm. In some cases (e.g. pleural hematoma), the hematocrit is tested after puncture of the pleural cavity (thoracocentesis) to collect pleural fluid.

Read also: What are the causes and symptoms of pleurisy? Check!

Hematocrit: how to prepare for the HCT test?

You should report to the hematocrit teston an empty stomach . It is best to come to the laboratory between 7 am and 9.30 am (no later than 10 am).

You should refrain from drinking alcohol 2-3 days before the test and limit other stimulants, including coffee and cigarettes. Women should not request blood donation during their menstruation.

Hematocrit: norm

  • Children:
    • newborns:48-69 percent
    • aged 6-12:35-35 percent
    • girls aged 13-18:36-46 percent
    • boys aged 13-18:37-49 percent
  • women:37-47 percent
  • men:40-51 percent

Please note thatHematocrit (HCT) standards may vary by labwhere the test was performed. Each result is accompanied by the reference range given for a given laboratory. If it is necessary to perform repeated tests, it is a good idea to do them in the same facility.

Hematocrit in pregnancy

Blood counts in pregnant women may be abnormal. Women who are expecting a baby have a 4-7% drop in hematocrit , and this is normal.

Read also: Blood morphology of pregnant women may be abnormal

Low hematocrit

Too low hematocritmay indicate:

  • anemia
  • acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding,which suggests the presence of e.g. :
    • ulcers
    • polyps in the digestive system
    • colorectal cancer
  • acute or chronic bladder bleeding
  • acute or chronic uterine bleeding(e.g. heavy monthly bleeding)
  • acute or chronic bleeding,resulting from severe injuries
  • bone marrow diseases , e.g. leukemia
  • overflow
  • pregnancy

High hematocrit

In turnhigh hematocrit (increased hematocrit)can occur with:

  • dehydratione.g. in the course of:
    • diarrhea
    • vomiting
    • excessive sweating
  • being at high altitudes ( altitude sickness)
  • polycythemia vera
  • lung diseases
  • heart disease
  • kidney cancer
  • extensive burns
  • chronic tobacco smoking

As the determination of the hemoglobin concentration is part of the blood count test, other elements of the blood count are taken into account when interpreting the test.

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