Hematocrit Information | Mount Sinai

HCT

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures how much of a person’s blood is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of and size of the red blood cells.

Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and returns waste and carbon dioxide. Blood distributes nearly everything that is carried from one area in the body to another place within the body. For example, blood transports hormones from endocrine organs to their target organs and tissues. Blood helps maintain body temperature and normal pH levels in body tissues. The protective functions of blood include clot formation and the prevention of infection.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

The hematocrit is almost always done as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

Your health care provider may recommend this test if you have signs of or are at risk for anemia. These include having:

• Before and after major surgery
• Blood in your stools, or vomit (if you throw up)
• Chronic medical problems, such as kidney disease or certain types of arthritis
• During pregnancy
• Fatigue, poor health, or unexplained weight loss
• Headaches
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Leukemia or other problems in the bone marrow
• Monitoring during treatment for cancer
• Monitoring medicines that may cause anemia or low blood counts
• Monitoring of anemia and its cause
• Poor nutrition
• Problems concentrating

Normal Results

Normal results vary, but in general they are:

• Male: 40. 7% to 50.3%
• Female: 36.1% to 44.3%

For babies, normal results are:

• Newborn: 45% to 61%
• Infant: 32% to 42%

The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Low hematocrit may be due to:

• Anemia
• Bleeding

• Bone marrow being unable to produce new red blood cells. This may be due to leukemia, other cancers, drug toxicity, radiation therapy, infection, or bone marrow disorders 

• Chronic illness
• Chronic kidney disease
• Destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis)
• Leukemia
• Malnutrition
• Too little iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 in the diet
• Too much water in the body

High hematocrit may be due to:

• Bone marrow disease that causes abnormal increase in red blood cells (polycythemia vera)
• Congenital heart disease
• Exposure to high altitude
• Failure of the right side of the heart
• Low levels of oxygen in the blood
• Scarring or thickening of the lungs
• Too little water in the body (dehydration)

Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. H. Hematocrit blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:620-621.

Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM. Blood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 124.

Means RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 149.

Vajpayee N, Graham SS, Bem S. Basic examination of blood and bone marrow. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 31.

Last reviewed on: 1/9/2022

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Hematrocit Blood Test – Testing.com

Test Quick Guide

Blood is made up of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets which are suspended in a liquid called plasma. A hematocrit (HCT) lab test determines the percentage of the blood that is composed of RBC.

An HCT test helps your medical provider screen for, diagnose, and monitor conditions that affect your blood or bone marrow. A measurement of HCT is routinely included in a complete blood count (CBC) but may also be ordered on its own if your provider suspects a condition affecting your RBC.

About the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of an HCT test is to evaluate the percentage of blood that is made up of RBC. This measurement indicates the viscosity, or thickness, of the blood and depends on the size and number of RBCs in a blood sample. HCT is most often evaluated as part of a CBC, which also includes measurements of RBC, WBC, platelets, and hemoglobin.

Often ordered during a routine medical check-up, a CBC is a common lab test. A CBC that includes HCT may also be ordered to evaluate the cause of certain symptoms, monitor patients receiving medical treatments, and track those with chronic health issues that affect the blood.

What does the test measure?

HCT measures the proportion of the blood that is composed of RBC and is expressed as a percentage.

RBCs are critical for the distribution of oxygen to the body’s cells. Once oxygen is used by cells to produce energy, RBCs transport the waste product, carbon dioxide, from the cells back to the lungs.

HCT levels can be affected by an increase or decrease in the number of RBCs and by changes in other components of the blood. Because HCT measures the percentage of RBC in the blood, relative increases or decreases in other blood components, like plasma or WBC, can lead to abnormal HCT results even if the RBC count is normal.

When should I get this test?

Your provider may test HCT as part of a CBC or if you are experiencing symptoms of an RBC disorder such as anemia. Indications for testing HCT include:

• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Headaches
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Poor nutrition
• Blood in your stools or vomit
• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Excessive diarrhea or vomit
• Leukemia or other conditions associated with bone marrow
• Chronic health conditions, including kidney diseases

Finding an HCT Test

How can I get an HCT test?

An HCT test requires a sample of blood and is typically ordered by a doctor. A blood draw, also called venipuncture, is conducted by a health provider or a laboratory technician in a medical setting.

Can I take the test at home?

HCT testing is not usually performed at home. Conducting this test requires specialized tools and trained laboratory personnel.

How much does the test cost?

The cost of an HCT test depends on several factors, including other tests performed at the same time and whether or not you have health insurance or are paying out-of-pocket. The cost of HCT testing is often covered by insurance due to the routine nature of the test.

Refer to your health care provider, medical facility, or insurance company for specific details on costs, copays, and deductibles.

Taking an HCT Test

A blood sample is needed for HCT testing. To collect a blood sample, a needle is inserted into your arm and a vial, also known as a vacutainer, is placed on the provider’s end of the needle. The vial is then filled with blood that is used to test your hematocrit.

Before the test

There is no special preparation needed prior to an HCT test, unless specified by your provider.

During the test

Blood draws are a common medical procedure. Usually, blood is drawn from either the top of the hand or the vein on the inside of the elbow. To conduct a blood draw:

1. An antiseptic wipe is used to cleanse the area prior to the blood draw.
2. A band is placed around your arm to increase pressure in your vein, making your vein more visible and easier to access.
3. A needle is placed in your vein and a test tube is attached to the needle and filled with blood.
4. If you are getting other blood tests in addition to an HCT test you may have more than one vial of blood drawn.

After the test

Once the blood is drawn, the nurse or phlebotomist may ask you to hold pressure on the site of the venipuncture with a cotton swab for a few minutes. They may place a bandage on the cotton swab to maintain pressure.

After any blood draw, you will want to watch out for temporary side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness. Your provider may want you to stay seated for a few minutes until they can determine that you are safe to get up and walk or drive.

Other than possible lightheadedness and bruising at the site where blood was drawn, there are few potential side effects from a blood draw.

HCT Test Results

Receiving test results

After the test is complete, results will be sent to your doctor for interpretation. HCT test results are most often part of the results of a CBC, which may be available to your doctor within a few minutes or up to several days.

Interpreting test results

HCT test results depend on several factors, including age and sex. The cutoff values for a normal test result, called its reference range, may also vary depending on the laboratory or methods used to conduct the test. Because of the many factors that affect HCT, it’s important to talk to a doctor for support in understanding your test result.

The reference ranges listed below describe common reference ranges for hematocrit:

Hematocrit Reference Ranges for Adults

An abnormal HCT level can indicate that your blood is either too thin or too thick compared to an average person of a similar population.

An abnormally low level of HCT indicates that your cells may not be getting enough oxygen, a condition known as anemia. Abnormally low HCT may be related to a variety of causes, including:

• Loss of blood
• Poor nutrition with low intake of iron, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folate
• Bone marrow disorders or cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other cancers that spread to the marrow
• Destruction of RBCs
• Excessive water in the body

High HCT levels indicate conditions where there is either an overproduction of RBC or an abnormally high concentration of RBCs in your body. Some examples of causes of a high HCT include:

• Dehydration
• Lung disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure
• Certain types of kidney tumors
• Smoking
• Living at high altitudes
• Secondary polycythemia, a rare group of blood disorders caused by heritable changes to genes involved in the production of RBCs causing the body to produce too many RBCs
• Polycythemia vera, a rare blood disease in which the body produces too many RBCs

Although the results are accurate, laboratory parameters and provider reference ranges as well as personal variables may be subject to differences.

Abnormal HCT test results may or may not require additional follow-up testing. HCT is often evaluated alongside other components of a CBC to look for signs of disease or monitor health conditions.

For example, a doctor may order additional testing if you have low HCT to evaluate the cause of anemia. Testing for anemia may include a reticulocyte count, a renal panel, a liver panel, hemolysis testing, or a blood smear.

Follow-up testing is based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. For questions about follow-up testing, speak with your doctor.

Talking with your doctor can help you understand your HCT result and any next steps. You may wish to ask the following questions:

• What does my result mean for my health?
• Is there anything I can do to change my HCT levels?
• Is there any further testing that needs to be done based on my HCT levels?

Resources

• CBC Blood Test (Complete Blood Count)
  Learn More
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) Test
  Learn More
• Hemoglobin Blood Test
  Learn More
• White Blood Cell Count (WBC Blood Test)
  Learn More
• Platelet Count (PLT) Blood Test
  Learn More
• Blood Smear
  Learn More
• Iron Test
  Learn More
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Anemia
  Learn More
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Thalassemias
  Learn More

Sources

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Hematological blood test in Kyiv

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Study code:
108

Execution time:
1-2 working days

Material:
whole blood

Price:

150
UAH

You can purchase this service online
by price:
UAH 150.00 Add to cart

Preparation

The study is taken on an empty stomach or 3-4 hours after the last meal.

When donating venous blood, it is necessary to exclude factors that affect the results of the research: physical stress, emotional arousal. Therefore, before the procedure, you should rest for 10-15 minutes in the waiting room, calm down. You should not donate blood after exposure to x-rays (“roentgen”), physiotherapy procedures. Taking into account the daily rhythms of changes in blood parameters, it is advisable to take samples for repeated studies at the same time.

It is recommended to donate venous blood, but if necessary, capillary blood (from a finger) is accepted.

Description

Hematological analysis (WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT) – a laboratory test that includes the following indicators: leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, erythrocyte count, average erythrocyte volume, average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte, average hemoglobin content in erythrocyte, half-width of erythrocyte size distribution, platelet count.

WBC (white blood cells – white blood cells) – the absolute content of leukocytes.

RBC (red blood cells – red blood cells) – the absolute content of red blood cells.

HGB (Hb, hemoglobin) — concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood.

HCT (hematocrit) – hematocrit.

PLT (platelets – platelets) – the absolute content of platelets.

Erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC):

MCV is the average volume of an erythrocyte.

MCH – the average content of hemoglobin in a single erythrocyte in absolute units.

MCHC is the mean concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells, not in whole blood (see HGB above).

Comprehensive hematological blood test with leukocinate formula and COE.

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Chernihiv, 172 Grushevskogo ave.
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Complete blood count with ESR without leukocyte formula in Moscow

In the medical company “LabQuest” you can get a personal consultation from the doctor of the “Doctor Q” service on deciphering the results of a blood test without a leukocyte formula during an appointment or by phone.

It must be remembered that the interpretation of the results of a general blood test without a leukoformula should be carried out only by a doctor, since the results of laboratory tests are not the only criterion for making a diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment. They should be considered in conjunction with the history data and the results of other possible examinations, including instrumental diagnostic methods.

ESR is a non-specific indicator of the inflammatory process. The level of ESR depends on physiological and pathological factors. It increases with inflammatory processes, intoxications, tumors, infections (acute and chronic), paraproteinemia, hepatitis, amyloidosis, tuberculosis, etc. The level of ESR decreases with an increase in the number of red blood cells (erythremia, erythrocytosis).

Red blood cells (RBCs) are red blood cells that contain the protein hemoglobin. The average lifespan of erythrocytes is 110-130 days. The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other organs and tissues. An increase in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytosis) occurs with tissue hypoxia, polycystic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, hydronephrosis, tumors, etc. A decrease in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytopenia) occurs after blood loss, with anemia, after radiation exposure, with increased breakdown of red blood cells, with diseases of the kidneys and liver, against the background of infectious diseases.

Hemoglobin (Hb) increases with dehydration, with an increase in the number of red blood cells. The concentration of hemoglobin decreases with anemia and with hyperhydration.

Hematocrit (HCT) is an indicator that is determined by calculating the ratio of the volume of erythrocytes to the volume of the liquid part of the blood. Hematocrit increases with an increase in the number of red blood cells, with burn disease and dehydration of the body. HCT decreases with anemia, overhydration, pregnancy.

Mean cell volume (MCV) is a measure of the average volume of the entire population of red blood cells. According to this indicator, the doctor determines the type of anemia (normocytic, microcytic and macrocytic). A decrease in MCV is more common in iron deficiency anemia, and an increase in B12 deficiency anemia or folate deficiency anemia.

Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH) is an indicator of the average content of hemoglobin protein in 1 erythrocyte. Analogue of the obsolete color index (CPU). According to this indicator, the doctor divides anemia into normochromic, hypochromic and hyperchromic. MCH decreases with iron deficiency anemia, porphyria, and increases with macrocytic anemia.

Average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (MCHC) – the indicator reflects the saturation of erythrocytes with hemoglobin. MCHC increases with spherocytosis, cold agglutination of erythrocytes, after chemotherapy, decreases with hemoglobinopathies, anemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency anemia.

Distribution of erythrocytes by volume (RDW CV) – the indicator reflects the degree of anisocytosis of erythrocytes (change in the size of an erythrocyte). An increase in RDW occurs with a combination of red blood cells of different sizes (for example, normocytes and microcytes).

Platelets (PLT) are nuclear-free small blood cells that are involved in the formation of blood clots in normal conditions (in case of damage to the vessel) and in pathology (when an atherosclerotic plaque is “opened”). The number of platelets increases with increased physical exertion, after surgical interventions, against the background of oncological diseases, in acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the body. A decrease in the number of platelets occurs with bacterial and viral infections, pregnancy, enlarged spleen, autoimmune diseases, etc.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of the average volume of the entire population of platelets. An increase in MPV is observed in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, smokers, and alcohol abuse. The indicator decreases after removal of the spleen, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Leukocytes (WBC) are blood cells that are part of cellular immunity. The main function is to attack pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that have entered the body and remove the remains of cells after their destruction. Leukocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils.