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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>'''Hematocrit''' refers to the proportion of [[red blood cells]] (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, in relation to the total blood volume. This measurement is crucial for evaluating the body's overall health status and potential hematological disorders. Hematocrit levels are typically assessed as part of a [[complete blood count (CBC)]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last1= |first1= |title=Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice |journal= |volume= |issue= |pages= |year= |doi= |pmid= }}</ref>.<br />
[[File:Separator for hematocrit 0003.JPG|thumb|Separator for hematocrit 0003]]<br />
==Measurement==<br />
The hematocrit value is generally expressed as a percentage. This percentage is determined by dividing the volume of red blood cells by the total volume of blood and multiplying by 100. Hematocrit levels can be affected by the number and size of red blood cells, with factors such as hydration status and nutritional health influencing these parameters. Typically, the hematocrit test is performed on a blood sample taken from a vein, usually in the arm, using a process known as venipuncture<ref>{{Cite journal |last1= |first1= |title=Venous blood sampling |journal= |volume= |issue= |pages= |year= |doi= |pmid= }}</ref>.<br />
[[File:Blood-centrifugation-scheme.png|thumb|Blood-centrifugation-scheme]]<br />
==Interpretation of Results==<br />
The reference range for hematocrit varies by age, sex, and altitude of residence, with men generally having higher hematocrit levels than women. Abnormal hematocrit levels can indicate various health conditions:<br />
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A lower-than-normal hematocrit may suggest [[anemia]], a condition characterized by a reduced number of RBCs or a lower than normal amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs.<br />
A higher-than-normal hematocrit can indicate [[dehydration]] as the volume of plasma decreases while the RBCs remain constant, thus leading to a relative increase in the hematocrit level. It can also be seen in conditions such as polycythemia, where there is an abnormal increase in the production of red blood cells.<br />
Certain diseases, such as [[leukemia]] and [[malnutrition]], may alter the hematocrit levels due to their impact on red blood cell production<ref>{{Cite journal |last1= |first1= |title=Hematocrit and disease severity |journal= |volume= |issue= |pages= |year= |doi= |pmid= }}</ref>.<br />
==Clinical Significance==<br />
Monitoring hematocrit levels can provide important information about a person's health status. In clinical settings, hematocrit is often used to guide therapeutic decisions, such as the need for a blood transfusion. It can also help monitor response to treatment in conditions affecting red blood cell count or size<ref>{{Cite journal |last1= |first1= |title=The clinical significance of hematocrit levels in human health and disease |journal= |volume= |issue= |pages= |year= |doi= |pmid= }}</ref>.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
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* [[Hemoglobin]]<br />
* [[Anemia]]<br />
* [[Red blood cell indices]]<br />
* [[Polycythemia]]<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
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[https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hematocrit-test/ MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hematocrit]<br />
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{{Blood tests}}<br />
{{Myeloid blood tests}}<br />
{{Medical resources}}<br />
[[Category:Hematology]]<br />
[[Category:Medical tests]]<br />
[[Category:Mathematics in medicine]]</div>Prab