Hematocrit

Hematocrit
Blood components
MeSHD006400
MedlinePlus003646

The hematocrit (/hɪˈmætəkrɪt/) (Ht or HCT), also known by several other names, is the volume percentage (vol%) of red blood cells (RBCs) in blood, measured as part of a blood test.[1] The measurement depends on the number and size of red blood cells.[2] It is normally 40.7–50.3% for males and 36.1–44.3% for females.[2] It is a part of a person's complete blood count results,[3] along with hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and platelet count.

Because the purpose of red blood cells is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to body tissues, a blood sample's hematocrit—the red blood cell volume percentage—can become a point of reference of its capability of delivering oxygen. Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can indicate a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions.[3] An abnormally low hematocrit may suggest anemia, a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells, while an abnormally high hematocrit is called polycythemia.[4] Both are potentially life-threatening disorders.

  1. ^ "Hematocrit: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  2. ^ a b "Hematocrit". MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Hematocrit Test". MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  4. ^ "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 2015-02-13.[full citation needed]