Hematocrit is the level of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cell levels that are too low or too high can be a sign that you are suffering from certain diseases, such as anemia or dehydration.
Hematocrit (Ht) shows the number of percentage ratios of red blood cells to blood volume. Red blood cells have an important role for the health of the body, namely as a carrier of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
In order to stay healthy, the hematocrit value in the body needs to be kept within the normal range. Hematocrit levels are expressed in percent units, for example, a 20% hematocrit means that there are 20 milliliters of red blood cells in 100 milliliters of blood.
Every human being has a different normal hematocrit range. This difference is generally influenced by factors of age, gender, and the laboratory where the test is carried out. Broadly speaking, the normal range of hematocrit values based on age and gender, namely:
- Newborns: 55%–68%
- 1 week old: 47%–65%
- 1 month old: 37%–49%
- 3 months old: 30%–36%
- Age 1 year: 29%–41%
- Age 10 years: 36%–40%
- Adult men: 42%–54%
- Adult women: 38%–46%
Abnormal Hematocrit Signs You Have This Disease
The hematocrit test is part of a complete blood count. Hematocrit test can help doctors to diagnose or find out the disease suffered by the patient. Not only that, this test can also determine how well the patient's body is responding to the treatment that has been given.
Generally, a hematocrit examination is used to detect anemia, leukemia, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies. The doctor will also recommend a hematocrit test if there is a suspicion of disease which may be indicated by high or low red blood cells.
Low hematocrit levels can be caused by the following health conditions:
- Anemia (lack of red blood cells)
- Bleeding
- Leukemia
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Malnutrition or malnutrition, such as lack of iron, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6
- Drinking too much water
- Certain organ damage, such as bone marrow damage and kidney failure
Meanwhile, high hematocrit levels can be experienced by people who live at heights and are heavy smokers. High hematocrit levels can also indicate diseases such as:
- Congenital heart disease
- Dehydration
- Right heart failure
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever
- Low levels of oxygen in the blood
- Bone marrow disease that causes abnormal levels of red blood cells in the blood
- Scar tissue or thickening of the lungs
- kidney tumor
- Polycythemia vera
Hematocrit Examination Procedure
Hematocrit examination is done by taking a blood sample which will then be sent to the laboratory for evaluation. A blood sample is taken through the most prominent vein, usually in the elbow or back of the hand.
In the laboratory, the hematocrit is evaluated using centrifuge, which is a machine that rotates at high speed so that it can separate the contents or components in the blood.
After that, blood thinners will be added to keep the blood from clotting. When the test tube is taken from centrifuge, it is seen that the blood sample in the tube is separated into three parts, namely red blood cells, blood clots, and blood plasma.
Each component will settle in a different part of the tube. It will be seen that the red blood cells move to the bottom or settle to the bottom of the tube. After that, the number of red blood cells is compared with the total volume of blood in the tube.
Once the results are obtained in percent, then they are compared with standard values or normal values. Thus, it will be concluded whether the hematocrit value of the blood tested is classified as normal or abnormal (too low or high).
Things to Prepare Before Undergoing a Hematocrit Examination
Before running a hematocrit test, you should consult your doctor regarding your condition, such as pregnancy or whether you have recently had a blood transfusion.
The reason is, there are a number of factors that can affect the results of the hematocrit test so that the results are not accurate. For example, in people who have recently lost blood, have had a blood transfusion, are severely dehydrated, or live at high altitudes
Generally, the hematocrit test does not pose any major side effects or risks. However, usually a hematocrit examination can cause bruising or light bleeding at the blood sampling site.
In certain cases, bleeding can be difficult to stop after a blood sample is taken. This condition is more common in people who regularly take blood-thinning medications or in people with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if there is swelling or bleeding that does not stop after taking a blood sample. After the results are obtained, you can consult with your doctor about your hematocrit level and get the right treatment, if there are abnormalities.