Hematocrit is a measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. It is an indicator of the blood's oxygen carrying capacity. A hematocrit level is obtained through a complete blood count test, where a blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate red blood cells from plasma for measurement. Normal hematocrit ranges vary by sex and age, and deviations can signal health issues like anemia or polycythemia that should be evaluated by a doctor.

1. Hematocrit is the percentage by
volume of red cells in your blood.
Blood is made up of red blood
cells, white blood cells and
platelets, suspended in plasma.
Together, those comprise about
45% of the volume of our blood,
but the specific percentages of
each can vary.
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2. Hematocrit (Hematocrit) Explained
Hematocrit (also spelled hematocrit in British
English) refers to the percentage of red blood
cells (RBCs) in your total blood volume. It's an
important indicator of your oxygen-carrying
capacity and can help diagnose various health
conditions
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3. How is it measured?
A hematocrit is typically measured
through a simple blood test called
a complete blood count (CBC).
During this test, a small blood
sample is drawn and spun in a
centrifuge, separating the RBCs
from the liquid plasma. The
percentage of RBCs occupying the
bottom of the tube is then
measured, indicating the
hematocrit level
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4. Normal ranges:
•Men: 40-54%
•Women: 36-48%
•Newborns: 42-65% (decreases to
adult range within weeks)
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5. Interpreting results:
Deviations from the normal range
can signal potential health issues:
•High hematocrit
(polycythemia): dehydration, certa
in lung diseases, heart
problems, blood disorders like
polycythemia vera.
•Low hematocrit (anemia): iron
deficiency, vitamin B12
deficiency, chronic diseases, blood
loss.
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6. Important points:
1. Hematocrit is just one part of a
CBC, and other factors like
hemoglobin level and red blood
cell size are also assessed for a
comprehensive picture.
2. Interpretation of results
should be done by a
doctor considering individual
factors, medical history, and
other test results.
3. Never diagnose or treat
yourself based solely on
hematocrit levels.
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7. 1. Hematocrit plays a crucial role
in oxygen transport throughout
the body. Low levels can lead to
fatigue, shortness of
breath, and other symptoms.
2. High hematocrit can increase
blood viscosity, potentially
leading to stroke or heart
attack.
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
with a balanced diet and
regular exercise can help
ensure healthy hematocrit
levels
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