A hematocrit The test is a blood test that determines how much of the blood is composed of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport air from the part of the body that does not feel like it to the rest of the body. Other parts of the blood include white blood cells (to fight infection), platelets (to help clots that bleed), and a fluid called plasma.
Very high or very low hematocrit values are probably a symptom of blood disorders, dehydration, or other diseases affecting the blood.
Other names: HCT, packed cell size, PCV, crit ;; H and H (hemoglobin and hematocrit).
What is it used for?
A hematocrit This test is often considered part of a complete blood count (CBC); the CBC is a routine blood test that determines all the different parts of the blood. It is used to test joint health. It can also be used to diagnose blood disorders, including anemia, a condition in which there are very few red blood cells, and polycythemia vera, an abnormal condition in which there are very large numbers of red blood cells and the blood is very thick.
Why do I need a hematocrit test?
Care providers have options a hematocrit as part of normal control or test for health prognosis if they are being treated for cancer or have a systemic health condition. Caregivers may also order this test if there are signs of red blood cells, such as anemia or polycythemia vera.
Symptoms of anemia (too few red blood cells) include
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- arithm (heartbeat speed or rhythm problems).
Symptoms of polycythemia vera (too many red blood cells) include
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Skin symptoms such as itching, burning sensation, or red face after showering or bathing
- Heavy sweating, especially while sleeping
- Blurred or double views and blind spots
- Bleeding gums and easy bleeding from small cuts
What happens during a hematocrit test?
The doctor takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required. a hematocrit Testing. If your doctor orders more testing of your blood sample, you may need to fast for a few hours (without eating or drinking) for the test. Your doctor will tell you if you should follow any special instructions.
Was there any risk in the test?
There is not enough risk to get a hematocrit test or any other blood test. There will be slight soreness or bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs will disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
Your hematocrit Test results are reported as a quantity. This quantity is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. For example, in your case hematocrit test result is 42. This means that 42% of your blood is composed of red blood cells and the remaining white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
A hematocrit Lower than normal levels can be a symptom of this.
- Your body has too few red blood cells (anemia). There are numerous species of anemia that are most likely caused by different diseases.
- Your body produces a very large number of white blood cells.
- Bone marrow disease
- Some cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma or cancer, spread to the bone marrow from other parts of the body.
A hematocrit Higher than normal levels can be a symptom of this.
- Your body produces a very large number of red blood cells.
- Lung disease
- Congenital heart disease
- heart failure
- Polycythemia vera
- Dehydration, a very common underlying cause of numerous blood cells. hematocrit
- Shock
If the results are not in the normal spectrum, this does not always mean that there is a disease that needs to be cured. Living at high heights with little air in the air can cause high shock. hematocrit This is due to the fact that your body reacts to low air by creating more red blood cells to get the air it needs.
Pregnancy can lead to it. low hematocrit This is because during pregnancy your body contains more fluid than normal. This means that the percentage of red blood cells produced will be lower.
If you want to know what the findings mean, contact your Internet provider.
Is there really anything else I should know? a hematocrit test?
Normal hematocrit Levels depend on your gender, age, and height where you live. Ask your own supplier which hematocrit level is common for you.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
