What is hematocrit and why is it important. How do doctors measure hematocrit levels. What are the normal ranges for hematocrit in adults and children. What health conditions can affect hematocrit levels. How do high and low hematocrit levels impact health.

Understanding Hematocrit: The Measure of Red Blood Cell Volume

Hematocrit is a crucial blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood volume. This simple yet informative test provides valuable insights into an individual’s overall health and can help diagnose various medical conditions. A typical hematocrit range for healthy adults falls between 37% and 52%, though this can vary based on factors such as age, sex, and individual health circumstances.

Red blood cells play a vital role in our body’s functioning. They are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body and give blood its characteristic red color. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules, allowing the cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to tissues and organs throughout the body.

Why is hematocrit measurement important?

Hematocrit levels can indicate various health conditions:

• Low levels may suggest anemia or other blood disorders
• High levels could indicate polycythemia, which increases the risk of blood clots
• Abnormal levels may be associated with dehydration, pregnancy, or certain chronic diseases

Understanding one’s hematocrit levels can help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor various conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and management.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges: What’s Considered Healthy?

Hematocrit levels can vary depending on several factors, including age, sex, and overall health status. While different institutions may define normal ranges slightly differently, a comprehensive 2017 cross-population study identified the following typical ranges:

• Adult males: 42-52%
• Adult females: 37-47%
• Children: 30-44% (varies with age and sex)
• Newborns: Higher levels that gradually decrease with age

It’s important to note that these ranges are general guidelines. Individual results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of a person’s overall health and other relevant factors.

Factors affecting hematocrit levels

Several factors can influence hematocrit levels, including:

1. Altitude: Higher altitudes tend to increase red blood cell counts
2. Exercise: Certain types of exercise, particularly strength training, may affect levels
3. Hydration status: Dehydration can temporarily raise hematocrit levels
4. Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals may have lower levels due to increased blood volume
5. Smoking: Can push levels into a higher range
6. Chronic conditions: Diseases like COPD may affect hematocrit levels

Low Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Implications

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is considered low. This condition, often associated with anemia, can have various causes and implications for an individual’s health.

What are the symptoms of low hematocrit levels?

Individuals with low hematocrit levels may experience:

• Pale complexion
• Weakness and fatigue
• Low energy levels
• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands or feet

These symptoms are often indicative of anemia, a condition characterized by lower than normal hemoglobin levels. While mild anemia is treatable and particularly common in women, severe anemia could signal more serious underlying health conditions requiring extensive treatment.

What causes low hematocrit levels?

Several factors can contribute to low hematocrit levels:

1. Nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate)
2. Chronic diseases (kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis)
3. Blood loss (due to injury, surgery, or heavy menstrual periods)
4. Bone marrow disorders
5. Certain medications
6. Pregnancy (due to increased blood volume)

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management of low hematocrit levels.

High Hematocrit Levels: Understanding the Risks

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects on health and may indicate serious underlying conditions. But what exactly constitutes high hematocrit levels?

When are hematocrit levels considered high?

Generally, hematocrit levels are considered high when they exceed:

• 52% in adult males
• 47% in adult females

However, it’s important to note that these thresholds can vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory and testing methods used.

What are the risks associated with high hematocrit levels?

High hematocrit levels can lead to several health complications:

1. Increased blood viscosity, making circulation more difficult
2. Higher risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart attack
3. Impaired oxygen delivery to tissues due to slower blood flow
4. Potential strain on the heart and cardiovascular system

Given these risks, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying causes of high hematocrit levels promptly.

What causes high hematocrit levels?

Several factors can contribute to elevated hematocrit levels:

• Dehydration
• Polycythemia vera (a bone marrow disorder)
• Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD)
• Congenital heart defects
• Living at high altitudes
• Smoking
• Use of certain medications or performance-enhancing drugs

The Hematocrit Test: How It’s Performed and Interpreted

The hematocrit test is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive panel of tests that provides valuable information about various components of blood. Understanding how this test is performed and interpreted can help patients better comprehend their results.

How is a hematocrit test performed?

The hematocrit test involves the following steps:

1. A healthcare professional draws a small blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm
2. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds
3. This process separates the blood into its components: plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells
4. The percentage of the total blood volume occupied by red blood cells is measured, giving the hematocrit value

What other tests are included in a complete blood count?

A CBC may include the following tests in addition to hematocrit:

• Red blood cell count
• Reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• Hemoglobin level analysis
• Red blood cell size and shape analysis
• White blood cell tests
• Platelet tests

These comprehensive tests provide a more complete picture of a person’s blood health and can help diagnose various conditions.

Factors Affecting Hematocrit Test Accuracy

While hematocrit tests are generally reliable, several factors can influence the accuracy of the results. Understanding these factors is crucial for proper interpretation of test outcomes.

What can affect hematocrit test results?

Several factors can impact hematocrit test accuracy:

1. Recent blood transfusions
2. Pregnancy
3. Dehydration or overhydration
4. Altitude changes
5. Recent intense physical activity
6. Certain medications
7. Time of day (slight variations can occur)

Healthcare providers take these factors into account when interpreting hematocrit test results to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

How does exercise affect hematocrit levels?

Exercise can have both short-term and long-term effects on hematocrit levels:

• Short-term: Intense exercise can cause temporary dehydration, potentially increasing hematocrit levels
• Long-term: Regular exercise, particularly endurance training, may lead to a slight decrease in hematocrit levels due to increased plasma volume

A 2018 study found that middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower hematocrit levels at the end of the program compared to when they started. However, it’s important to note that this study had a small sample size and may not be representative of all populations.

Managing Abnormal Hematocrit Levels: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

When hematocrit levels fall outside the normal range, various treatment options and lifestyle modifications may be recommended to address the underlying causes and manage associated health risks.

How are low hematocrit levels treated?

Treatment for low hematocrit levels often focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

• Iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia
• Vitamin B12 injections for B12 deficiency
• Folic acid supplements for folate deficiency
• Treatment of chronic diseases contributing to anemia
• Blood transfusions in severe cases
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to boost red blood cell production

What are the treatment options for high hematocrit levels?

Managing high hematocrit levels may involve:

1. Phlebotomy (removal of blood) to reduce blood volume and hematocrit
2. Hydration to dilute blood concentration
3. Treating underlying conditions (e.g., lung diseases, heart problems)
4. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or moving to lower altitudes
5. Medications to manage polycythemia vera or other causative conditions

What lifestyle changes can help maintain healthy hematocrit levels?

Several lifestyle modifications can contribute to maintaining healthy hematocrit levels:

• Staying well-hydrated
• Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate
• Regular exercise (under medical guidance)
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress
• Getting regular check-ups to monitor blood health

By implementing these changes and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy hematocrit levels and overall blood health.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H.pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H. pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

Hemogram with leukogram (B-CBC 5-diff, B-CBC 3-diff )

Hemogram with leukogram (B-CBC 5-diff, B-CBC 3-diff ) – SYNLAB Eesti

A hemogram is a comprehensive study in which the content of hemoglobin in the blood is measured, blood cells are counted: leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, and erythrocyte and platelet indices are calculated.

Leukogram with 5-component leukogram presented in absolute values:

• neutrophils
• eosinophils
• basophils
• lymphocytes
• monocytes

Leukogram with 3-component leukogram presented in absolute values:

• neutrophils
• lymphocytes
• MXD cells (monocytes, eosinophils, basophils)

Readings:

• Diagnosis of anemia. In addition to measuring hemoglobin and RBC levels, red blood evaluation also considers mean red cell volume (MCV), mean hemoglobin per erythrocyte (MCH), and mean hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte (MCHC), as well as the red blood cell distribution index by volume (anisocytosis index RDW).
• Determination of the presence of a pathological process based on changes in the number of leukocytes and in the leukogram, for example, infection, inflammation, allergy, malignancy, immunosuppression,.
• Determination of the platelet count is an important test in the presence of signs of bleeding. A change in the number of platelets, together with the indices characterizing them (MPV – mean platelet volume, PDW – platelet distribution width by volume) indicates a possible disturbance in platelet production or their accelerated destruction.

Analysis method: Flow cytometry

See table for reference values ​​

See table for critical values ​​

Interpretation of the result:

HEMOGLOBIN, HEMATOCRITE, RED CYTES

Normally, the values ​​of hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocytes are interconnected and change in the same direction.

• Low values: anemia
• High values: hypovolemia, polycythemia, chronic oxygen deficiency, smoking.

RBC INDICES: MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV

RBC indices characterize the morphological type of anemia.

Normocytic normochromic (MCV normal, MSI normal):

• Early stage iron deficiency
• Chronic disease (e.g. cancer)
• Acute blood loss
• Aplastic anemia
• Acquired hemolytic anemia (e.g. prosthetic heart valves)

Microcytic hypochromic (MCV ↓, MCH ↓):

• Advanced iron deficiency
• Thalassemia
• Lead poisoning

Microcytic normochromic (MCV ↓, MCH normal):

• Kidney disease (erythropoietin deficiency)

Macrocytic normochromic (MCV ↑, MCH normal):

• Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency
• Chemotherapy

Other possible causes of MCV ↑: pregnancy, certain drugs, alcohol.

With significant changes in MCV, it is necessary to evaluate the morphology of erythrocytes in the blood smear preparation.

RDW

Indicates Indicates the variability in the amount of erythrocytes (anisocytosis).

L LEUKOCYTES, LEUKOGRAM

• There are many possible causes of leukocytosis. More accurate information is given by an automatic 5-component leukogram of 5 types of leukocytes.
• A total white blood cell count that falls within the reference interval does not rule out abnormalities in different white blood cell populations.
• Neutrophilia – acute inflammation, toxic injury, immune disease, myeloproliferative disease.
• Eosinophilia – allergies, parasites, immune syndromes, malignant diseases (lymphoma, carcinoma).
• Basophilia – allergy, myeloproliferative diseases.
• Monocytosis – chronic inflammation, diseases occurring with tissue damage, chronic myeloproliferative diseases.
• Lymphocytosis – viral infections, reactive conditions, malignant lymphoproliferative diseases.
• Leukopenia – usually occurs from neutropenia. Occurs with viral infections, toxic (for example, drugs) or immune damage to the hematopoietic function, and with acute leukemia.

PLATELETS

• Thrombocytopenia most often occurs in connection with viral infections, the use of drugs, some autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, megaloblastic anemia, alcoholism, diseases of the hematopoietic system, hypersplenism.
• So-called pseudothrombocytopenia occurs when several aggregated platelets are counted by the analyzer as one large platelet.
  • This may be due to insufficient mixing of blood with anticoagulant after sample collection or platelet sensitivity to EDEDTA. In this case, to count the platelets, the test should be repeated by taking the blood into the citrate tube used for coagulation tests (with a blue stopper). Platelet aggregates are clearly visible by microscopic examination of a blood smear.
  • Thrombocytosis usually occurs in association with myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia and essential thrombocythemia and after splenectomy.
• Elevated platelet values ​​often occur together with reactive changes in leukocytes in bacterial infections.

PLATELET INDICES: MPV, PDW

MPV and PDW are important in clarifying the essence of the nature of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.

• Elevated MRV and thrombocytopenia – indicates a normal regenerative ability of thrombocytopenia.
• Artifact MPV increase:
  • Long time between sample collection and analysis itself – platelets swell in blood sample cells EDTA
  • Platelet aggregates
• High PDW and MPV values ​​are a common finding in chronic myeloproliferative diseases.
• Increased PDW and decreased platelet count are common findings in megaloblastic anemias.
• Normal PDW and platelet count >500 × 109/L – often associated with reactive changes

Indications for blood smear microscopy

If the result of the absolute blood count is one If any of the following indicators are present in the hemogram, and if the analyzer reports atypical morphology, then blood smear microscopy is performed as a clarifying study.

Parameter	Hemogram with 3-component leukogram	Hemogram with 5-component leukogram
Erythrocytes	< 2.0 x 10 12 /L > 6.5 x 10 12 /L	< 2.0 x 1012/L > 6.5 x 1012/L
Hemoglobin	< 80 g/L > 200 g/L	< 80 g/L > 200 g/L
Leukocytes	< 1. 5 x 109/L > 15 x 109/L (> 2 l) > 20 x 109/L (< 2 l) ≤ 2 x 10 9 /L	< 1.5 x 109/L > 15 x 109/L (> 2 l) > 20 x 109/L (< 2 l) ≤ 2 x 10 9 /L
Neutrophils	< 1.0 x 109/L > 20 x 109/L	< 1.0 x 109/L > 20 x 109/L
Lymphocytes	< 0.8 x 109/L > 5.0 x 109/L (> 12 l) > 7.0 x 109/L (< 12 l)	< 0.8 x 109/L > 5.0 x 109/L (> 12 l) > 7.0 x 109/L (< 12 l)
Monocytes		> 1.5 x 109/L (> 12 l) > 3.0 x 109/L (< 12 l)
MXD cells (monocytes, eosinophils, basophils)	> 2 x 109/L (> 12 l) > 3.5 x 109/L (< 12 l)
Platelets	< 100 x 109/L > 1000 x 109/L	< 100 x 109/L > 1000 x 109/L

Veterinary Glucose and Ketone Analyzer

• Portable Veterinary Glucose and Ketone Analyzer
• No calibration codes
• Measurement of the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood of animals
• The “gold standard” for detecting subclinical ketosis
• Minimum blood sample – 0. 4 µl for glucose and 0.8 µl for ketones
• Fast Results – 4 seconds for Glucose, 10 seconds for Ketones
• Accuracy equivalent to

laboratory analyzer

Glucose and Ketone Analyzer Applications NovaVet Glu/Ket
NovaVet Veterinary Glucose and Ketone Analyzer measures beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in animal blood and is the gold standard for subclinical detection. ketosis using a tiny drop of blood. The NovaVet Glucose and Ketone Analyzer provides an accuracy comparable to reference laboratory tests at the subclinical BHB threshold for predicting health risk in early lactating cows. Quantitative BHB results rule out subjective interpretation of the semi-quantitative color charts used when testing milk or urine ketones.

Glucose and Ketone Analyzer NovaVet detects clinical ketosis in early lactation in a dairy farm.
The transition of dairy cows to breastfeeding is a critical moment and a decisive factor in the health and performance of the cow throughout the entire period of feeding. All transitional cows are at risk of clinical ketosis characterized by anorexia, anorexia, signs of nervous dysfunction, etc. Clinical ketosis causes economic damage to the dairy farm due to:

• Reduced milk production;
• Poor quality milk;
• Mastitis;
• Treatment costs.

NovaVet corrects the results of the analysis for ketones and glucose according to the hematocrit level.
Cow hematocrit levels differ significantly from human blood hematocrit levels and may vary during lactation depending on sampling site, season and breed. Devices designed to measure blood ketones for humans may give erroneous results in cow blood due to lower hematocrit levels. NovaVet measures the hematocrit level in each blood sample and corrects the results for ketones or glucose to ensure the results are accurate.

Measuring glucose and ketones on one veterinary analyzer.
Glucose testing can be used to make important clinical decisions regarding intravenous glucose administration. Both glucose and ketone tests use the same device, you just need to insert the appropriate test strip.

Accurate quantitative results of beta-hydroxybutyrate ( BHB ).
NovaVet provides an accuracy comparable to reference laboratory tests at the subclinical BHB threshold for predicting health risk in early lactating cows. Quantitative BHB results rule out subjective interpretation of the semi-quantitative color charts used when testing milk or urine ketones.

Specifications:

• B/W LCD with large digits (30 mm)
• Traditional Liquid Quality Controls
• Data storage: 400 tests of analysis results and quality controls
• Communication: data transfer via USB port
• Replacement battery type: 3V Li battery
• Battery life: Minimum for 1000 tests
• Dimensions: 91.4 x 58.4 x 22.9 mm
• Weight: 75 g.

NovaVet® Glucose Test Strips

Tests:
Measurement tests: hematocrit corrected glucose
Output test: glucose
Analysis time: 4 seconds
Sample volume: 0.