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,[1][2] measured as part of a blood test.[3] The measurement depends on the number and size of red blood cells.[3] It is normally 40.7–50.3% for males and 36.1–44.3% for females.[3] It is a part of a person's complete blood count results,[4] 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.[4] 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.[5] Both are potentially life-threatening disorders.

  1. ^ Mondal H, Lotfollahzadeh S (2024). "Hematocrit". StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID 31194416. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  2. ^ "Hematocrit Test: What It Is, Levels, High & Low Range". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  3. ^ a b c "Hematocrit". MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  4. ^ a b "Hematocrit Test". MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  5. ^ "Non-Invasive Detection of Hematocrit". BME 240. University of California, Irvine. Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 2015-02-13.