Shop - Haematocrit

Description

Hematocrit Overview:

Hematocrit (Hct) is a blood test that measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells (RBCs). It is an essential component of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used to assess an individual’s overall health and detect various medical conditions.

Key Points:

• Normal Range:
  • Men: Approximately 38.3% to 48.6%
  • Women: Approximately 35.5% to 44.9%
  • Values can vary based on age, sex, and altitude.
• Clinical Significance:
  • High Hematocrit: May indicate dehydration, polycythemia vera, or lung diseases that lead to chronic low oxygen levels.
  • Low Hematocrit: Can be a sign of anemia, blood loss, bone marrow disorders, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, folate).
• Measurement:
  • Hematocrit is typically determined by centrifuging a blood sample in a capillary tube, allowing the separation of blood components. The height of the RBC layer is measured and expressed as a percentage of the total blood volume.