What is a hematocrit test. Hematocrit Test: Understanding Blood Cell Composition and Health Implications
What is a hematocrit test and why is it performed. How is a hematocrit test conducted and what do the results indicate. What are the normal ranges for hematocrit levels in adults and children. How can abnormal hematocrit levels impact your health.
What is a Hematocrit Test and Its Significance
A hematocrit test, often abbreviated as Hct, is a crucial medical examination that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your total blood volume. This test plays a vital role in assessing your overall health and can provide valuable insights into various medical conditions.
Red blood cells are essential components of your circulatory system, acting as the primary carriers of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Think of them as a sophisticated transportation network, delivering life-sustaining elements to every corner of your organism. The proportion of these cells in your blood is critical for maintaining optimal health.
Why Doctors Order Hematocrit Tests
Healthcare providers may recommend a hematocrit test for several reasons:
- To diagnose specific medical conditions
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatments
- To monitor overall health during routine check-ups
- To investigate symptoms that might indicate blood-related issues
Hematocrit tests are particularly useful in identifying conditions such as anemia, leukemia, dehydration, and various dietary deficiencies. They are often part of a more comprehensive blood analysis known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC).
The Hematocrit Test Procedure: From Blood Draw to Analysis
Understanding the hematocrit test procedure can help alleviate any concerns you might have about the examination. The process is relatively simple and can be broken down into two main stages: blood sample collection and laboratory analysis.
Blood Sample Collection
The first step in a hematocrit test involves obtaining a blood sample. This can be done in two ways:
- Finger prick method: A small lancet is used to prick your fingertip, and a few drops of blood are collected.
- Venipuncture: A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein, typically in your arm or hand.
If the hematocrit test is part of a CBC, the venipuncture method is more commonly used. The procedure is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward.
Laboratory Analysis
Once collected, your blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The evaluation process involves the use of a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood sample at high speeds to separate its components. After centrifugation, the blood settles into three distinct layers:
- Red blood cells at the bottom
- White blood cells and platelets in the middle (buffy coat)
- Plasma at the top
The hematocrit is then calculated by comparing the volume of red blood cells to the total blood volume. This result is expressed as a percentage, providing a clear indication of your red blood cell concentration.
Interpreting Hematocrit Test Results: Normal Ranges and Implications
Understanding your hematocrit test results is crucial for assessing your health status. While specific ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, generally accepted hematocrit levels for adults are:
- Adult men: 38.8% to 50%
- Adult women: 34.9% to 44.5%
For children, the normal ranges are more variable and change rapidly with age. Pediatric hematocrit levels are typically evaluated based on age-specific charts provided by the testing laboratory.
Factors Influencing Hematocrit Levels
Several factors can affect your hematocrit levels, including:
- Age and gender
- Pregnancy
- Altitude (living at high elevations can increase hematocrit)
- Recent blood transfusions
- Hydration status
- Certain medications
It’s important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider when interpreting your test results.
Low Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Health Implications
When your hematocrit levels fall below the normal range, it may indicate various health issues. Low hematocrit, often associated with anemia, can result from numerous conditions:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease, cancer)
- Blood loss (internal bleeding or heavy menstruation)
- Bone marrow disorders
- Hemolytic anemia (premature destruction of red blood cells)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
Symptoms of low hematocrit may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Treating Low Hematocrit Levels
The treatment for low hematocrit depends on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:
- Iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 injections or supplements for B12 deficiency
- Addressing and treating chronic diseases
- Blood transfusions in severe cases
- Medications to stimulate red blood cell production
Your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition and overall health status.
High Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Potential Health Risks
Elevated hematocrit levels, also known as polycythemia, can be indicative of various health concerns. Some common causes of high hematocrit include:
- Dehydration
- Polycythemia vera (a blood disorder that causes increased red blood cell production)
- Lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea)
- Congenital heart disease
- Kidney tumors
- Living at high altitudes
- Smoking
High hematocrit levels can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Symptoms of elevated hematocrit may include headaches, dizziness, itchy skin, and redness in the face.
Managing High Hematocrit Levels
Treatment for high hematocrit focuses on addressing the underlying cause and reducing the risk of complications. Some management strategies include:
- Phlebotomy (removal of blood to reduce red blood cell concentration)
- Hydration therapy
- Medications to suppress red blood cell production
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, managing weight)
- Treating underlying conditions (e.g., sleep apnea, lung diseases)
Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the cause of your elevated hematocrit and your overall health status.
Hematocrit Test as Part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC)
While a hematocrit test can be performed independently, it is often conducted as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC). A CBC provides a comprehensive overview of your blood composition, including:
- Red blood cell count (RBC)
- White blood cell count (WBC)
- Platelet count
- Hemoglobin levels
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
By analyzing these components together, healthcare providers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of your blood health and more accurately diagnose potential issues.
Relationship Between Hematocrit and Other Blood Components
The hematocrit test results are often interpreted in conjunction with other blood components, particularly hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. There is typically a strong correlation between hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, with hematocrit values approximately three times the hemoglobin concentration.
Understanding this relationship helps healthcare providers confirm the accuracy of test results and provides additional insights into your blood health.
Preparing for a Hematocrit Test: What You Need to Know
Preparing for a hematocrit test is relatively straightforward, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
- Fasting is usually not required for a hematocrit test
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, as some can affect the results
- Discuss any recent blood transfusions, as these can temporarily alter your hematocrit levels
- If you’re pregnant, let your healthcare provider know, as pregnancy can affect hematocrit values
- Mention if you live at a high altitude, as this can naturally increase your hematocrit levels
By providing your healthcare provider with this information, you can ensure more accurate interpretation of your test results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of the Test
The hematocrit test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. However, as with any blood draw, you may experience some minor side effects, including:
- Slight pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site
- Minor bruising
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially if you’re prone to fainting at the sight of blood)
- In rare cases, infection at the puncture site
These side effects are typically mild and resolve quickly. If you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
The Future of Hematocrit Testing: Advancements and Innovations
As medical technology continues to advance, the field of hematology is experiencing exciting developments that could revolutionize how we perform and interpret hematocrit tests. Some emerging trends and innovations include:
- Point-of-care testing devices for rapid hematocrit assessment
- Non-invasive hematocrit measurement techniques
- Integration of artificial intelligence for result interpretation
- Personalized medicine approaches based on hematological profiles
These advancements aim to make hematocrit testing more accessible, efficient, and informative, potentially leading to earlier detection of blood disorders and improved patient outcomes.
The Role of Hematocrit Testing in Precision Medicine
As we move towards an era of precision medicine, hematocrit testing, along with other blood components, is playing an increasingly important role in tailoring medical treatments to individual patients. By analyzing a person’s unique blood profile, healthcare providers can:
- Predict disease susceptibility
- Optimize drug dosages
- Monitor treatment effectiveness more accurately
- Develop personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
This personalized approach to healthcare has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse effects from treatments.
In conclusion, the hematocrit test is a valuable tool in assessing your blood health and overall well-being. By understanding the significance of this test, its procedure, and how to interpret the results, you can take a more active role in managing your health. Regular hematocrit testing, often as part of a comprehensive blood panel, can help detect potential issues early and guide appropriate medical interventions. As always, it’s essential to discuss your test results and any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care tailored to your individual needs.
Hematocrit Test: Uses, Procedure, and Results
What is hematocrit?
Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. Red blood cells are vital to your health. Imagine them as the subway system of your blood. They transport oxygen and nutrients to various locations in your body. For you to stay healthy, your body needs to have the correct proportion of red blood cells.
Your doctor may order a hematocrit, or Hct, test if they think you have too few or too many red blood cells.
A hematocrit test can help your doctor diagnose you with a particular condition, or it can help them determine how well your body is responding to a certain treatment. The test can be ordered for a variety of reasons, but it’s most often used to test for:
- anemia
- leukemia
- dehydration
- dietary deficiencies
If your doctor orders a complete blood count (CBC) test, the hematocrit test is included. Other tests in a CBC are a hemoglobin and reticulocyte count. Your doctor will look at your overall blood test results to gain an understanding of your red blood cell count.
Learn more: CBC (complete blood count) »
First you will receive a blood test. Afterward, it will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
Blood sample
A medical provider will need a small sample of blood to test your hematocrit. This blood can be drawn from a finger prick or taken from a vein in your arm.
If the hematocrit test is part of a CBC, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, typically from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand. The technician will clean the surface of your skin with an antiseptic and place an elastic band, or tourniquet, around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood.
They’ll then insert a needle in the vein and collect a blood sample in one or more vials. The technician will remove the elastic band and cover the area with a bandage to stop the bleeding. A blood test can be slightly uncomfortable. When the needle punctures your skin, you might feel a prick or pinching sensation. Some people also feel faint or lightheaded when they see blood. You may experience minor bruising, but this will clear up within a few days. The test will take only a few minutes, and you can resume everyday activities after it’s finished. Your sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
Evaluation
In the laboratory, your hematocrit is evaluated using a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins at a high rate to cause the contents of your blood to separate. A lab specialist will add a special anticoagulant to keep your blood from clotting.
When the test tube is taken out of the centrifuge, it will have settled into three parts:
- red blood cells
- anticoagulant
- plasma, or the fluid in your blood
Each component will settle in a different part of the tube, with the red blood cells moving to the bottom of the tube. The red blood cells are then compared to a guide that tells what proportion of your blood they make up.
While the laboratory that tests the blood sample may have its own ranges, generally accepted ranges for hematocrit depend on your gender and age. Typical ranges are as follows:
- adult men: 38.8 to 50 percent
- adult women: 34.9 to 44.5 percent
Children ages 15 and under have a separate set of ranges, as their hematocrit levels change rapidly with age. The specific lab that analyzes the results will determine the normal hematocrit range for a child of a certain age.
If your hematocrit levels are too low or too high, it can indicate various problems.
Low hematocrit levels may be a sign of:
- bone marrow diseases
- chronic inflammatory disease
- deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, folate, or vitamin B-12
- internal bleeding
- hemolytic anemia
- kidney failure
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- sickle cell anemia
High hematocrit levels can indicate:
- congenital heart disease
- dehydration
- kidney tumor
- lung diseases
- polycythemia vera
Before getting the test, let your doctor know if you’ve recently had a blood transfusion or are pregnant. Pregnancy can decrease your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels due to increased fluid in your body. A recent blood transfusion can also affect your results. If you live at a high altitude, your hematocrit levels tend to be higher due to reduced amounts of oxygen in the air.
Your doctor will likely compare the results of your hematocrit test to the other parts of the CBC test and your overall symptoms before making a diagnosis.
A hematocrit test is not associated with any major side effects or risks. You may have some bleeding or throbbing at the site where the blood is drawn. Let your doctor know if you experience any swelling or bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes of pressure being applied to the puncture site.
Hematocrit (HCT) | Ulta Lab Tests
The Hematocrit (HCT) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.
Description: The Hematocrit test is a blood test used to measure the percentage of red blood cells in your blood, usually for determining anemia.
Also Known As: HCT Test, Crit Test, Packed Cell Volume Test, PCV Test
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Test Preparation: No preparation required
When is a Hematocrit test ordered?
A full blood count usually includes a hematocrit measurement. It can also be ordered as part of a general health assessment, either by itself or in conjunction with a hemoglobin level. When a person develops signs and symptoms of a disorder that affects RBCs, such as anemia or polycythemia, these tests are frequently done.
When someone has signs and symptoms of severe dehydration, such as intense thirst, dry mouth or mucous membranes, and a lack of perspiration or urination, a hematocrit may be requested.
When someone has been identified with recurrent bleeding difficulties, anemia, or polycythemia, this test may be repeated numerous times or on a regular basis to check the success of treatment. It may also be ordered on a regular basis for persons receiving therapy for cancers that affect the bone marrow.
What does a Hematocrit blood test check for?
A hematocrit is a test that determines the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended in plasma, a fluid component of blood. The hematocrit is a ratio that compares the volume of red blood cells to the volume of all of these components together, which is known as whole blood. A percentage or fraction is used to express the value. A hematocrit of 40%, for example, indicates that there are 40 milliliters of red blood cells per 100 milliliters of blood.
The hematocrit is a quick and easy approach to assess a person’s red blood cells and screen for disorders like anemia. It’s frequently done in conjunction with a hemoglobin level, and it’s also a part of a complete blood count, which is commonly used to assess a person’s overall health.
RBCs are made in the bone marrow and discharged into the bloodstream when they are fully mature or almost so. They normally constitute about 37 to 49 percent of the blood volume. Hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen, is found in RBCs. RBCs’ main job is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and organs. They also transfer a little amount of carbon dioxide from tissues and organs back to the lungs, where it is exhaled.
RBCs have a 120-day lifespan, and the bone marrow must constantly manufacture new RBCs to replace those that have aged and degraded or have been lost due to hemorrhage. A variety of disorders can impact the bone marrow’s ability to produce new RBCs or the longevity of those already in circulation, as well as cause substantial bleeding.
The hematocrit measures both the number and volume of red blood cells. The hematocrit will drop when the size of the RBCs decreases, and vice versa. In general, the hematocrit will rise as the number of red blood cells increases, and it will fall to less than normal when the number of RBCs produced by the bone marrow decreases, the number of RBCs destroyed increases, or blood is lost due to hemorrhage. The overall amount of RBCs and hematocrit will diminish if the bone marrow is unable to manufacture new RBCs quickly enough, resulting in anemia.
Anemia is a condition in which the body is unable to provide adequate oxygen to tissues and organs, resulting in weariness and weakness. Too many RBCs are created in polycythemia, and the blood thickens, causing sluggish blood flow and other complications.
Lab tests often ordered with a Hematocrit test:
- Hemoglobin
- RBC Count
- Blood Smear
- Iron Total
- Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
- Ferritin
- Reticulocyte Count
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- G6PD
- Erythropoietin
- Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation
Conditions where a Hematocrit test is recommended:
- Anemia
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Thalassemia
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
- Bone Marrow Disorders
How does my health care provider use a Hematocrit test?
The hematocrit test is frequently used to diagnose anemia, usually in conjunction with a hemoglobin test or as part of a full blood count. The test can be used to detect, diagnose, or track a variety of illnesses and disorders that impact the amount of red blood cells in the blood. RBCs are red blood cells that circulate in the blood and transport oxygen throughout the body.
Some circumstances influence RBC formation in the bone marrow, resulting in an increase or decrease in the number of mature RBCs discharged into circulation. The longevity of RBCs in the circulation may be affected by other factors. The overall number of RBCs and hematocrit will diminish if there is increased destruction or loss of RBCs, and/or the bone marrow is unable to make new ones quickly enough, leading in anemia.
The hematocrit can tell if there’s a problem with RBCs, but it can’t tell what’s causing it. A blood smear, reticulocyte count, iron studies, vitamin B levels, and, in more severe cases, a bone marrow examination are some of the other tests that may be conducted at the same time or as follow-up to establish a reason.
What do my Hematocrit test results mean?
Red blood cells make up between 37 percent to 49 percent of the total amount of blood.
Because a hematocrit is frequently performed as part of a complete blood count, other components including RBC count, hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, and/or red blood cell indices are taken into account. Other considerations include age, gender, and race. In general, the hematocrit reflects the RBC count and hemoglobin readings.
Anemia is diagnosed by a low hematocrit, low RBC count, and low hemoglobin.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.
CBC in Khimki and Krasnogorsk
CBC using the formula is the main test carried out in the laboratory, mainly prescribed for various pathologies. A blood analysis using a form contains a certain number of blood cells, the detection of hematocrit, hemoglobin.
In what situations is the clinical examination of the analysis of the blood composition using the formula mainly performed?
This study is done at the preparatory stage for hospitalization and operations, during clinical examination, often during pregnancy, in babies before various vaccinations.
In various pathologies, a blood composition analysis with a formula is a diagnostic that brings the necessary data about the patient’s real health. The presence of anemia and pathologies of the hematological type, the visibility of the inflammatory process, allergic indicators and the probable causes of worms – such data can be obtained using a general analysis of the blood composition using the formula.
What values are revealed during the analysis?
Erythrocytes are blood cells that contain hemoglobin. Erythrocytes have a biconcave round shape. Their main function is to move oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and gas from the tissues to the respiratory tract. Detection of the number of erythrocytes is an important point in the examination of anemia in combination with the detection of hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is the main constituent of red blood cells. The main function is the delivery of oxygen and gas. The level of such an indicator depends on the age category, gender, smoking. Hemoglobin is measured in grams, so if you are evaluating hemoglobin levels, then pay attention to hematocrit. Elevated hematocrit can apparently overestimate the concentration of the indicator.
Hematocrit is a percentage type fraction that reflects hemoconcentration. The hematocrit is used to evaluate anemia. The conversion of hematocrit does not in all situations correlate with the conversion of the number of erythrocytes.
MCV – calculation type indicator, erythrocyte volume. Used in the differential examination of anemia. In the presence of erythrocytes of various shapes with a transformed shape, the indicator may not be effective.
MCH – hemoglobin content in one cell. The indicator is similar to the color type indicator, but becomes more reliable. It is used in the differential examination of anemia.
MCHC is the concentration of hemoglobin in cells. A power exponent of saturation of a cell with hemoglobin. Doesn’t depend on cell volume.
Platelets are blood elements that are involved in the clotting process. They become fragments of megakaryocytes that form in the bone marrow. Life span – 10 days. In the standard state, platelets resemble disks; when active, they acquire the shape of a sphere. Platelets stop bleeding in small vessels.
Platelet count is used to assess the likelihood of complicating processes.
Leukocytes are immune cells.
In the formula of leukocytes in the standard, the following cell populations can be seen: lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils. In the standard, these cells are in the blood. Their ratio is based on the age category.
Test results
Platelets: in addition to low platelets, EDTA is likely. Currently, EDTA is used for blood analysis. In rare situations, human blood interaction causes platelet aggregation. In such a situation, the analyzer cannot detect such cells and count them accurately. In the situation of finding a low platelet count, specialists perform blood microscopy.
Leukocytes: an increased number of leukocytes can become a factor in the infectious process, hematological pathology.
Decreased white blood cell count may be associated with a difficult infectious process.
Basophils: An increased number of basophils can be diagnosed in rare allergies.
Decreased basophils have no clinical significance.
Neutrophils: large numbers can bind to bacteria, damage, inflammation.
Decreased neutrophils are mainly associated with a reaction to drugs, pathologies of immunity.
Eosinophils: an increased number may be associated with parasites, allergic reaction, inflammation, asthma.
Low number does not matter clinical type.
Lymphocytes: a large number are diagnosed with viruses, infections, bacteria.
A reduced number is associated with autoimmune pathologies.
Monocytes: increased numbers associated with long-term infections.
A low monocyte count is irrelevant to the clinical type.
When is the test done?
In general, the result of a complete blood count using the formula is likely to be obtained within a couple of days.
Is preparation necessary?
No special preparation required. You can perform the procedure a few hours after eating.
Complete blood count without leukocyte formula with a discount of up to 50% at the price from the Lab4U laboratory in Moscow
Description of analysis
Index
A general blood test shows how many red blood cells and hemoglobin it contains, which perform the function of respiration, leukocytes that protect the body from infection, platelets that are responsible for blood clotting, how the body reacts to pathological processes, in a word, KLA reflects the general state of the body.
Destinations
Usually this is the first analysis that a person takes when he undergoes a medical examination or at the beginning of any diagnosis. It is used for general health assessment, diagnosing anemia, inflammation and many other parameters.
Specialist
Appointed by a therapist.
Important
For a more complete display of the state of the body, it is also recommended to conduct analyzes of the leukocyte formula and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
Test Method – Nephelometry, Conductometry, Flow Cytometry
Test Material
— Venous blood with EDTA
due date
The analysis will be ready in
within 1 day, excluding the day of collection.
The term can be extended by 1 day if necessary.
You will receive results by email. email as soon as it’s ready.
Deadline: within 1 day, excluding the day of sampling, excluding Saturday and Sunday (except for the day of taking the biomaterial)
How to prepare
In advance
Talk to your doctor about taking your medications the night before and on the day of your blood test, and any additional preparations you might need.
Do not take a blood test immediately after X-ray, fluorography, ultrasound, physiotherapy.
The day before
24 hours before blood sampling:
- Limit fatty and fried foods, do not take alcohol.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
At least 4 hours before donating blood, do not eat, drink only clean still water.
On the day of donation
Before blood sampling
- Do not smoke for 60 minutes,
- 15-30 minutes to be in a calm state.
Result
Analysis result example.pdf
Explanation
Interpretation of test results is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a diagnosis or
replaces medical advice. Reference values may differ from those indicated in
depending on the equipment used, the actual values will be indicated on the form
results.
Reference values:
Age | Hemoglobin, g/l | Erythrocytes, x10 12 /l | Hematocrit, % | |||
men | women | men | women | men | women | |
1-2 years | 105 – 140 | 105 – 140 | 3.7 – 6.0 | 3.7 – 6.0 | 33 – 42 | 33 – 42 |
3-5 years | 110 – 145 | 118 – 147 | 4.1 – 5.3 | 4.1 – 5.2 | 33 – 43 | 35 – 44 |
6-11 years old | 120 – 140 | 120 – 145 | 4.2 – 5.1 | 4.1 – 5.2 | 35.8 – 42.4 | 35.7 – 43.0 |
12-15 years old | 128 – 160 | 122 – 150 | 4. 4 – 5.5 | 4.1 – 5.2 | 37.3 – 47.3 | 36.3 – 43.4 |
Over 15 | 135 – 175 | 120 – 158 | 4.32 – 5.72 | 3.9 – 5.2 | 38.8 – 50.0 | 34.9 – 44.5 |
Pregnant, 1st trimester | – | 116 – 139 | – | 3.42 – 4.55 | – | 31 – 41 |
Pregnant, II trimester | – | 97 – 148 | – | 2.81 – 4.49 | – | 30 – 39 |
Pregnant, III trimester | – | 95 – 150 | – | 2.71 – 4.43 | – | 28 – 40 |
Age | RBC distribution by volume, RDW, % | Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, MCH, pg | Average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocyte, MCHC, g/l | |
men | women | – | – | |
1-2 years | 12. 0 – 14.5 | 12.0 – 14.5 | 1-14 years – 25 – 33 | 1-13 years – 300 – 360 |
3-5 years | 12.0 – 14.0 | 12.0 – 14.0 | ||
6-11 years old | 12.0 – 14.0 | 11.6 – 13.4 | ||
12-15 years old | 11.6 – 13.8 | 11.2 – 13.5 | ||
Over 15 | 11.8 – 15.6 | 11.9 – 15.5 | >14 years: 26 – 34 | >13 years old: 310 – 370 |
Pregnant, 1st trimester | – | 12.5 – 14.1 | 30 – 32 | – |
Pregnant, II trimester | – | 13.4 – 13.6 | 30 – 33 | – |
Pregnant, III trimester | – | 12.7 – 15.3 | 29 – 32 | – |
Age | Mean erythrocyte volume, MCV, fl | |
men | women | |
1-5 years | 73 – 85 | 73 – 85 |
6-10 years | 75 – 87 | 75 – 85 |
11-12 years old | 76 – 90 | 76 – 90 |
13-15 years old | 77 – 94 | 73 – 95 |
16-18 years old | 79 – 95 | 78 – 98 |
19-45 years old | 80 – 99 | 81 – 100 |
46-65 years old | 81 – 101 | 81 – 101 |
Over 65 | 83 – 103 | 81 – 102 |
Pregnant, 1st trimester | – | 81 – 96 |
Pregnant, II trimester | – | 82 – 97 |
Pregnant, III trimester | – | 81 – 99 |
Age | Leukocytes, x 10 9 /l | Age | Platelets, x10 9 /l |
1-2 years | 5. 0 – 12.0 | 1-3 years | 252 – 582 |
3-5 years | 4.0 – 12.0 | 4-5 years | 240 – 570 |
6-11 years old | 4.0 – 9.5 male 4.0 – 10.8 women | 6-11 years old | 235 – 534 male 227 – 539 women |
12-15 years old | 4.0 – 9.1 male 4.1 – 8.9 women | 12-15 years old | 184 – 485 male 200 – 390 women |
Over 15 | 4.0 – 10.5 | Over 15 years old | 150 – 400 |
Pregnant, 1st trimester | 5.7 – 13.6 | Pregnant, I trimester | 174 – 391 |
Pregnant, II trimester | 155 – 409 | Pregnant, II trimester | 2.81 – 4.49 |
Pregnant, III trimester | 146 – 429 | Pregnant, III trimester | 2.71 – 4.43 |
Platelet distribution by volume, PDW – 9. 0 – 20.0%
Mean platelet volume, MPV – 6.0 – 13.0 fl
Thrombocrit, PCT – 0.12 – 0.36%
Quality Assurance
Examination performed by Beckman Coulter UniCel DxH 800 Hematology Station, USA
An advanced system for analyzing blood cells through flow cytometric analysis
Complete blood count CBC without leukocyte formula and ESR
Learn more about popular analyses:
Do’s and don’ts before a blood test?
How to decipher the general and biochemical blood tests?
Blood test for women and men – norms and differences
The composition of the complete blood count CBC includes the following indicators: (HGB) hemoglobin, (WBC) leukocytes, (MCH) average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte, (MCHC) average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte, (RDW) indicator of distribution of erythrocytes by volume, (RBC) erythrocytes, (MCV) mean volume of erythrocyte, (HCT) hematocrit, (PLT) platelets, (MPV) mean platelet volume, (PDW) platelet volume distribution index, (PCT) thrombocrit.