What is hematocrit? How to calculate? Normal values, high and low causes

Hematocrit is a measure of the volume of red blood cells in your blood. It is typically measured as a percentage of the total volume of your blood.

For example, if you have a hematocrit level of 40%, it means that 40% of your blood is made up of red blood cells and 60% is made up of other components, such as plasma.

Hematocrit is an important measure of your overall health and can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as anemia and dehydration.

How to calculate hematocrit lab test?

Hematocrit is typically measured in a hematology laboratory using a centrifuge.

The process involves taking a sample of your blood and spinning it in a special machine that separates the red blood cells from the other components of your blood.

The percentage of red blood cells is then calculated and expressed as the hematocrit level.

What is the normal range of hematocrit?

• Hematocrit normal range in males: 40% to 50%
• Hematocrit normal range in females: 35% to 45%
• Hematocrit range in infants: 31% to 42%
• Hematocrit range in newborns: 45% to 59%

When hematocrit range (HCT) increases?

The following are the causes of increasing HCT or hematocrit range in the blood.

• Dehydration: When the body becomes dehydrated, the volume of fluid in the blood decreases, leading to an increase in hematocrit.
• Blood loss: If a person experiences significant blood loss, the body may compensate by increasing the production of red blood cells. This can lead to an increase in hematocrit.

• Altitude: At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, which can stimulate the production of red blood cells to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This can lead to an increase in hematocrit.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can stimulate the production of red blood cells, leading to an increase in hematocrit.
• Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in hematocrit.

When hematocrit range (HCT) decreases?

The following are the causes of decreasing the HCT or hematocrit range in the blood.

• Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes more concentrated, which can lead to an increase in hematocrit.
• Anemia: This is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can lead to a decrease in hematocrit.
• Blood loss: If someone experiences significant blood loss due to injury or surgery, this can also lead to a decrease in hematocrit.
• Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as kidney disease or cancer, can lead to a decrease in hematocrit.