What You Need to Know

If you’re searching for a blood testing near me and have heard the term hematocrit, you may be wondering what it means and why it matters. Hematocrit is a simple blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. It is often included in a complete blood count (CBC) test and can provide valuable information about your overall health. In this post, we’ll explain the meaning of hematocrit, the normal range, and what factors can affect your results.

What is Hematocrit?

As mentioned above, hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen from your lungs to your body’s tissues and organs. Hematocrit is expressed as a percentage of the total volume of blood. For example, if your hematocrit is 40%, it means that 40% of your blood is made up of red blood cells.

What is a Normal Hematocrit Range?

The normal range of hematocrit can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and altitude. In general, the normal range for men is 38.8% to 50%, while the normal range for women is 34.9% to 44.5%. It’s important to note that these are general ranges, and your doctor may interpret your results differently based on your individual health history and circumstances.

What Factors Can Affect Hematocrit Levels?

There are several factors that can affect hematocrit levels. These include:

• Anemia: A condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the body to carry oxygen to the tissues. This can cause a low hematocrit level.
• Dehydration: When the body loses too much fluid, the concentration of red blood cells in the blood can become higher, leading to a higher hematocrit level.
• Blood Disorders: Certain blood disorders such as polycythemia vera can cause a high hematocrit level.
• Medications: Certain medications such as erythropoietin (EPO) can increase red blood cell production, leading to a higher hematocrit level.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause a low hematocrit level due to the body not getting enough oxygen.

Why is Hematocrit Important?

Hematocrit is an important test because it can provide valuable information about your overall health. Abnormal hematocrit levels can be a sign of underlying health issues, and can help your doctor diagnose and treat conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and blood disorders. Additionally, regular hematocrit testing can help monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments and medications.

Where Can I Get a Hematocrit Test?

If you’re looking for a blood testing near me that includes hematocrit, Nao Medical can provide accurate and reliable test results. Our experienced healthcare providers offer a range of preventive care, primary care, and urgent care services, including blood tests and health screenings. We’re committed to providing high-quality, affordable care for all, and are deeply integrated into our communities. Visit our website to learn more about our services, fees, and insurance coverage.

FAQs

What does it mean if my hematocrit level is high?

If your hematocrit level is high, it may be a sign of conditions such as dehydration, lung disease, or blood disorders. Your doctor may recommend further testing and evaluation to determine the cause of your high hematocrit level.

What does it mean if my hematocrit level is low?

If your hematocrit level is low, it may be a sign of conditions such as anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor may recommend further testing and evaluation to determine the cause of your low hematocrit level.

Is a hematocrit test painful?

No, a hematocrit test is a simple blood test that involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Most people experience little to no discomfort during the test.

Conclusion

Understanding hematocrit is important for maintaining your overall health and wellness. By getting regular blood tests, you can monitor your hematocrit levels and catch any potential health issues early on. If you’re looking for a blood testing near me, Nao Medical is here to provide accurate and reliable results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take control of your health.

Book an appointment today at Nao Medical

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

Anemia in Cats | VCA Animal Hospital

What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical term referring to a reduced number of circulating red blood cells (RBC’s), hemoglobin (Hb), or both. It is not a specific disease but rather it is the result of some other disease process or condition.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the blood where they circulate for approximately two months. As they age or become damaged, they are removed from the bloodstream. Their components are then recycled to form new red blood cells. The number of red blood cells may become reduced because of decreased production or increased loss of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin delivers oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body, and an anemic patient will suffer from symptoms related to a lack of oxygen.

What are the signs of anemia?

The most easily observed and common clinical sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gums; they may appear pale pink to white when examined.

“Pale gums and lethargy indicate the need to perform blood tests.”

Anemic cats also have little stamina or energy so they seem listless or tire more easily. Anemic cats may have signs of blood loss (bloody nose, blood in the stool, urine, or vomit). Pale gums and lethargy indicate the need to perform blood tests.

How is anemia diagnosed?

Several tests are performed on blood samples to diagnose anemia. These tests are often performed as part of a complete blood cell count (CBC). The most common test to diagnose anemia is the packed cell volume (PCV), also called the hematocrit. In a normal cat, 25-45% of the blood will be red blood cells. If the PCV is below 25%, the cat is anemic. Others tests to determine anemia include the red blood cell count and the hemoglobin count.

What other tests are important when a cat is anemic?

When there is evidence of a low red blood cell count, it is important to know if the bone marrow is producing an increased number of new red blood cells in response to the lost red blood cells. Some new red blood cells will be released prematurely, and these immature red blood cells, called reticulocytes, can be stained for easier identification on a blood smear. The presence of increased numbers of reticulocytes indicates that the anemia is responsive. Most automated blood analyzers will detect the presence of reticulocytes, helping your veterinarian quickly determine whether the cat has a responsive anemia.

“These tests provide important information about the overall health of the cat.”

A careful study of the blood smear is also important to look for parasites that might be causing red blood cell destruction and other abnormal cells that could indicate leukemia (an abnormally high white blood cell count).

A bone marrow biopsy or aspirate is obtained if there is concern that the bone marrow is not responding appropriately to the anemic state. A sample of bone marrow is withdrawn and analyzed, providing valuable information about its condition and occasionally revealing the cause of the anemia.

A biochemical profile and urinalysis are other important tests for anemic cats. These tests evaluate organ function and electrolyte levels, and provide important information about the overall health of the cat.

A fecal parasite exam is important to identify the presence of parasites in the intestinal tract that might be causing blood loss.

Finally, an anemic cat should be tested for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) because these viruses are frequent causes of anemia.

What diseases cause anemia?

Many diseases can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. These are grouped into:

• diseases that cause blood loss
• diseases that cause hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown and destruction)
• diseases that decrease the production of red blood cells through bone marrow suppression.

What diseases cause blood loss?

The main causes of blood loss in cats include:

• trauma or injury to blood vessels or internal organs resulting in bleeding
• severe parasitic infestations with fleas, ticks, or hookworms
• tumors (benign or malignant) of the intestinal tract, kidneys, and urinary bladder that begin to bleed
• diseases that prevent proper clotting of blood

What diseases cause hemolysis?

The main causes of hemolysis in cats include:

• autoimmune disease (caused when the cat’s immune system attacks its own body tissues or systems)
• feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• blood parasites such as Mycoplasma haemofelis
• chemicals or toxins (e. g., zinc or rat poison)
• cancer

What diseases prevent red blood cell production through bone marrow suppression?

The main causes of bone marrow suppression in cats include:

• any severe or chronic disease (such as chronic kidney or liver disease)
• very poor nutrition or nutritional imbalances
• autoimmune disease
• feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• chemicals or toxins
• cancer

Do cats get iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease in people, especially women. However, this iron deficiency is rare in cats and only develops secondary to severe chronic blood loss or in cats that are on very unbalanced diets.

How is anemia treated?

If your cat’s anemia is so severe that it is life threatening, a blood transfusion will be needed. Before giving your cat a blood transfusion, blood samples will be taken for diagnostic testing, or blood typing. The main purpose of a blood transfusion is to stabilize your cat while the underlying cause of the anemia is determined and other treatments can begin to take effect.

Further treatment will be determined once the underlying disease causing the anemia has been diagnosed. Treatments may include corticosteroids, deworming medications, other medications, or surgery. Your veterinarian will outline a treatment plan specific for your cat’s needs based on diagnostic test results.

What is the prognosis for anemia?

The prognosis for cats with anemia is based on the specific diagnosis and the cat’s condition prior to initiating treatment. Most cats, if the anemia is diagnosed early and they are in relatively good health, have a good prognosis. Cats that are anemic due to toxins, cancer or autoimmune diseases, or have suffered severe trauma have a less favorable prognosis.

Medical Center “URO-PRO” – a private clinic in Krasnodar. Online appointment with a doctor of any profile.

Brief information:
Clinical blood test is a common laboratory test, widely used
in practical medicine. This analysis includes the determination of erythrocytes,
platelets, leukocytes. This study may reveal the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, anemia, or impaired blood hemostasis (low platelet count).
Basic information:
The main purpose of a general or clinical blood test is primary information about the patient’s
health status. This is an important medical test because it allows
to suspect a number of diseases, although it is not a highly specific analysis. In the study of
general blood analysis, the following indicators are determined: erythrocytes, platelets and
leukocytes. This analysis also includes an assessment of the leukocyte formula.
Erythrocytes are also called red blood cells. They carry oxygen from
different cells in tissues and organs. The CBC includes several
basic red blood cell measurements:
Red blood cell count is the total number of red blood cells in a blood sample.
Hemoglobin. Determining the amount of this protein is important because its main function
is to carry oxygen, which is inside the red blood cells.
Hematocrit measures the proportion of total blood volume that is made up of red blood cells.
CBC also provides detailed information on physical
features of erythrocytes. They are known as indexes.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of red blood cells.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin within
of each RBC.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is an estimated
measurement of the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measurement of the size of your red blood cells.
Leukocytes or white blood cells are an important part of the body’s immune system.
A complete blood count allows you to evaluate the number of leukocytes, as well as evaluate the
leukocyte formula or the ratio of various leukocytes in the human body.
There are five types of leukocytes, which are defined in the leukocyte formula.
Neutrophils. They make up the largest percentage of white blood cells and are produced by the bone marrow to fight various inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Lymphocytes such as B cells and T cells are found mainly in the lymphatic
system and fight bacteria and other pathogens in the blood.
Monocytes work in conjunction with neutrophils to fight infections and
other diseases by removing damaged or dead cells.
Eosinophils are white blood cells that are activated in response to allergies and certain types of
infections (worm infestation).
Basophils are involved in infectious inflammatory processes, as well as in wound healing and
allergic reactions.
Because each type of white blood cell has a different function, clinical analysis
white blood cells can be used to detect abnormal levels of
specific white blood cells, which can provide clues to an underlying health problem.

Platelets are cells that circulate in the blood and play an important role in
blood clotting. When a vessel injury occurs and bleeding begins,
platelets help stop bleeding by adhering to the site of injury and sticking together to form a
temporary platelet plug. Standard component of a clinical blood test
is the platelet count, that is, the number of platelets in the blood sample.
Anemia is a condition characterized by a low level of red blood cells. There are
many potential causes of a decrease in red blood cells, hematocrit and/or hemoglobin
, for example:
– acute or chronic bleeding,
– destruction of red blood cells, such as in a condition called hemolytic anemia,
– disorders that affect the bone marrow, which produces new red blood cells,
Nutrient deficiencies such as iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
Malignant neoplasms
Chronic diseases associated with inflammation or organ dysfunction
High levels of red blood cells, hematocrit and/or hemoglobin may also have a number
causes:
– dehydration,
– heart or lung disease,
– certain kidney diseases.
Polycythemia vera, a rare disease causing an increased level of education
erythrocytes. Determining indexes that include mean corpuscular volume (MCV),
mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
can help identify the most likely causes of anemia.
Leukocytes are the main cells of the immune system.
A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. Some of the possible causes of
leukopenia include:
– liver damage, including from alcohol abuse,
– severe infections,
– disruption of the spleen,
– autoimmune diseases,
– blood tumors,
– malignant diseases.
An increase in the concentration of leukocytes above the reference value is known as leukocytosis.
An excess of white blood cells can be associated with several potential causes:
– infections,
– cell destruction (eg, myocardial necrosis, myocardial infarction),
– burns and burn disease,
– allergic diseases,
– autoimmune processes,
– taking certain medications (glucocorticosteroid drugs),
– stress,
– leukemia and other blood tumors,
– tumors of various origins.
Knowing the number of each specific type of leukocyte can provide more detailed
information needed to assess the possible cause of the inflammatory process.
For example, an increase in the level of neutrophils indicates a bacterial infection, and
an increase in lymphocytes can provide information about a possible virus infection of the body.
An increase in the level of eosinophils may indicate an allergy or helminthic invasion.
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. Violation of the normal functioning of platelets
may be associated with impaired hemostasis.

A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia and is associated with a risk of
bleeding. Possible causes of low platelets include:
– blood disorders that cause the destruction of platelets,
– certain drugs, including many chemotherapy drugs,
– bone marrow damage,
– pregnancy.
The presence of a high concentration of platelets in the blood serum is called thrombocytosis. This
condition is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, thrombosis.
An abnormally high platelet count can be caused by several conditions,
including:
– neoplastic diseases,
– bone marrow dysfunction,
– recent bleeding,
– infection or trauma.

Reference values: 99/l
This test does not replace the need for a visit to a specialist doctor. It is impossible to assess
the state of health in one study without assessing the clinical picture and
other instrumental data.

preferably: in the morning on an empty stomach after an 8-10 hour break, also allowed 4-5 hours after a light meal. You can and should drink water. On the eve, it is desirable to exclude stress, physical activity, alcohol, fatty and fried foods

– health screening,
– preparation for surgical treatment,
– control of the treatment of anemia,
– dynamic control of the treatment of various diseases of an inflammatory and infectious nature
.

Serum iron in the blood – analysis, level, price Its prolonged lack and depletion of reserves in the body can lead to anemia, and an excess of iron and its excessive accumulation can lead to damage to internal organs such as the liver, heart, pancreas. Iron is responsible for regulating metabolism, transporting oxygen, stimulating the growth and physical development of the body, neutralizing toxins and drugs, synthesizing DNA, and maintaining the optimal condition of hair, skin and nails.

When is an iron blood test ordered?

An iron test is ordered to determine the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry and to estimate its stores in the body. Also, the study is carried out in the differential diagnosis of the causes of anemia, in particular, to find out whether it is caused by iron deficiency, B12 deficiency or chronic diseases. Iron levels are checked for suspected iron poisoning, as well as for signs of hereditary hemochromatosis, a disease in which the body accumulates excessive amounts of iron. The reason for the appointment of a study may be deviations in the results of a general blood test, for example, a low level of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit. The analysis is also necessary as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment of anemia and diseases that are characterized by iron overload in the body.

The main amount of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin and myoglobin – it is maintained at the same level, both due to the continuous breakdown of red blood cells and when taken with food. The main sources of iron are liver, red meat, whole grains, legumes, thyme, parsley, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Vitamin C and the acid found in gastric juice improve the absorption of iron. Interfering with the absorption of iron: calcium, egg white, tannins, oxalates, caffeine and phytic acid. Iron is excreted from the body with urine, feces and sweat.

Decrease and increase in iron levels

Decrease in blood iron levels within the normal range often occurs during pregnancy, menstruation, during the period of active growth of the child, it is also observed in blood donors, vegetarians and vegans. Such changes in the biochemical composition of the blood are not critical. But also iron deficiency can be a symptom of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and latent blood loss, which was provoked by autoimmune, parasitic and oncological diseases.

An increase in iron levels increases the body’s production of free radicals, inhibits the protection of cells from the effects of antioxidants, and also contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. In both the first and second cases, it is recommended to take a blood test to determine the level of iron.

When is it recommended to donate blood for iron?

Blood chemistry testing in the laboratory is necessary for:

• suspected occult bleeding or open trauma with large blood loss;
• diagnosis of pathologies associated with changes in the level of iron, which are inherited;
• control over the effectiveness of taking drugs containing iron;
• diagnosis of anemia, which is accompanied by asthenia, weakness, fatigue, pallor of the skin;
• determination of pathologies of the work of the nervous, cardiovascular systems, and organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• suspected high or low iron levels.

How to prepare for blood test for iron?

This test does not require any special training. To obtain accurate results, you must follow the general rules for preparing for blood donation.

We offer highly accurate testing at affordable prices. Careful blood sampling is carried out by attentive and experienced staff. For your convenience, our medical centers are located within walking distance from metro stations of the circle line and inside the circle.

GENERAL RULES FOR PREPARING FOR BLOOD TESTS

Blood is taken from a vein. It is necessary to follow the general recommendations:

• donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach or no earlier than 2-4 hours after a meal;
• the use of water without gas is allowed;
• on the eve of the analysis, you should give up alcohol, exclude physical and emotional overstrain;
• stop smoking 30 minutes before the study;
• Do not donate blood while taking medication, unless your doctor has instructed otherwise.