Hematocrit simply refers to the exact percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) the blood contains. Hematocrit (HCT or Ht) is also sometimes called Erythrocyte Volume Fraction (EVF) or Packed Cell Volume abbreviated as PCV. The word hematocrit itself comes from two Greek words, ‘hema’ meaning ‘blood’ and ‘criterion’ referring to criteria.
Hematocrit differs from RBC count in that an RBC count tells you the number of red blood cells you have, whereas the hematocrit test gives you the percentage of RBC’s in your blood. Hematocrit test is usually a part of the complete blood test.
Hematocrit and platelet count vary in men and in women and are usually more in men than in women. The red blood cells composition in blood for men and women is as follows.
Baby hematocrit level range
Hematocrit levels are usually highest in new born babies. The level gradually reduces to normal ranges by the time the babies are six months to a year old.
Given below are the hematocrit ranges in babies.
Hematocrit test process
The process of collecting blood for this test is fairly straightforward. It is just like any other blood test, and there are no elaborate preparations required for this test.
In adults, a sample of a person’s blood is taken from the inside of the elbow or back of the hand using a syringe and filled inside a test tube.
In children, the sample of blood is taken using a sharp instrument called a lancet. Usually only a few drops of blood are taken.
Hematocrit measurement process
Hematocrit test measurement depends on two factors
The importance of analyzing hematocrit levels is in diagnosing certain conditions. High levels (over the average range) and low levels (less than average) tend to indicate the presence of illness or disease.
Listed below are some of the possible problems associated with lowered and elevated hematocrit levels.
Elevated hematocrit levels
Increased hematocrit levels may be indicators of the following problems.
Decreased hematocrit levels
Lowered hematocrit levels may be indicators of other problems listed below.
Hematocrit-platelet relation
Some studies have found that increased hematocrit levels lead to venous thrombosis. Thrombosis is a condition in which the platelet levels increase to such an extent, resulting in blood clots. This indicates that there may be a relationship between hematocrit and platelet. However, these studies do not have well documented findings as of now.
Increased hemoglobin in COPD
COPD or chronic obstructive lung disease is a condition in which the lungs are very badly damaged. In these cases, there is a deficiency in the supply of oxygen to the bloods. In order to compensate for the lack of oxygen supply in COPD, hemoglobin is produced in higher quantities. This is the reason for the increased hemoglobin levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This results in increase in COPD hematocrit levels as well.
Castor oil and hematocrit levels
In certain illnesses like AIDS, the hematocrit levels along with WBC (white blood cells), platelet count as well as RBC counts is low. Castor oil packs is believed to show increase in the levels of hematocrit along with WBC, RBC and platelet count. In such cases, users claim that there are profound benefits of increased hematocrit levels through castor oil pack application for about an hour a day.
If your doctor asks you to take a hematocrit test, he/she may suspect problems ranging from anemia to other more serious problems or he/she may simply want a complete blood test done as part of a regular check-up. If you have questions, it is best to check with your doctor and find out the reasons for the hematocrit test.