A hematocrit test is a simple blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout your body. Test results showing low or high hematocrit levels may be signs of blood disorders or other medical conditions. Show
OverviewWhat is a hematocrit test?A hematocrit test (Hct) is a simple blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout your body. Test results showing low or high hematocrit levels may be signs of blood disorders or other medical conditions. When do healthcare providers order hematocrit tests?Hematocrits are parts of complete blood counts (CBC). You may have a CBC during an annual physical or if you have symptoms of conditions linked to low or high hematocrit levels. What’s the difference between a hematocrit and a hemoglobin test?A hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Hemoglobin is part of your red blood cell. Hemoglobin helps your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Hemoglobin also gives your red blood cells their color. A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Test DetailsHow do healthcare providers obtain blood for hematocrit levels?Blood tests to check hematocrit levels are simple, safe procedures with very few complications. Sometimes, providers obtain blood from a vein, using a needle to fill one or more sample tubes. Other times, providers use a needle prick to obtain a drop of blood. Here are blood test details:
Do I need to prepare for this blood test?No, this test doesn’t require special preparation such as fasting. Are there any side effects or complications?Most people feel fine after their blood test. Some people may feel faint. If that happens, tell your healthcare provider. They’ll take steps to help you to feel better. Results and Follow-UpWhat’s the normal range for hematocrit levels?Here are normal hematocrit levels by sex and age:
What does it mean if your hematocrit is high?A high hematocrit level may be a sign of several conditions, including polycythemia vera. Your healthcare provider is your best resource for information about your test result. Some conditions that may cause high hematocrit levels include:
What does it mean if your hematocrit is low?Suspected anemia is the most common reason for hematocrit testing. Your healthcare provider is your best resource for information about your test result. Other conditions include:
What hematocrit level is considered anemic?If your hematocrit level is below the normal range for your sex, your provider may do more tests to check on your red blood cell levels. Anemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells. What does it mean when hematocrit and hemoglobin are low?Three factors may cause both hematocrit and hemoglobin levels to drop:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Your provider may have ordered a blood test because you have symptoms of conditions that affect hematocrit levels. If that’s your situation, you should contact your provider if your symptoms get worse. A note from Cleveland Clinic You may have had a blood test showing your hematocrit levels are higher or lower than normal. There are lots of reasons why this happens. Sometimes, higher or lower hematocrit levels are signs of serious medical conditions. Unusual hematocrit levels may simply happen because you have less serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. Ask your healthcare provider to interpret your individual test results. They’ll explain your results, and if you have an underlying condition, they’ll determine treatments for your condition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
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More health news + infoWhat does it mean when red blood cells hematocrit and hemoglobin are low?Usually, low hemoglobin or low hematocrit means that you are not producing enough red blood cells or that you are losing red blood cells due to acute bleeding, a bleeding disorder, or accelerated destruction of red blood cells.
What is a common symptom of low red blood cells low hematocrit and low hemoglobin?Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak.
What causes low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels?Destruction of red blood cells earlier than normal (which may be caused by immune system problems) Long-term (chronic) diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Some forms of anemia, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, which can be inherited. Pregnancy.
How do you treat low hemoglobin and hematocrit?Treatment for this form of anemia usually involves taking iron supplements and changing your diet. For some people, this might involve receiving iron through a vein. If the cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood — other than from menstruation — the source of the bleeding must be located and the bleeding stopped.
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