Healthcare experts recommend a hematocrit test to diagnose specific conditions. This test reveals the percentage of erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) in a person’s blood. It is also called a packed-cell volume (PCV) test and is often part of a routine blood examination called complete blood count (CBC). Erythrocytes transport oxygen throughout the body, and some illnesses cause them to increase or drop. Here are a few critical details about the test.

What is hematocrit?
Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of erythrocytes or RBCs in the blood. The normal range varies depending on age, gender, race, and other factors. The following are the normal ranges by gender and age:

Adult females: 36% to 44%
Adult males: 41% to 50%
Infants: 32% to 42%
Newborn babies: 45% to 61%

Certain health conditions can increase or decrease the volume of erythrocytes in one’s blood.

Why is a hematocrit test done?
Many health conditions affect the production of RBCs or cause these cells to die sooner. Doctors often order a hematocrit test if patients complain of symptoms linked to conditions that affect RBC count. The blood examination helps the physician make a proper diagnosis. Certain symptoms that may call for a hematocrit test are listed below:

Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Pale skin or skin issues like itching
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Easy bruising or bleeding
Sweating heavily, especially when sleeping
Blurry or double vision
Blind spots in vision
Bleeding gums
Heavy bleeding, even from small wounds

A hematocrit test can also analyze the body’s response to treatment. Doctors generally order a CBC test, which includes the evaluation of hematocrit levels.

How is the test performed?
The hematocrit test is a simple blood test. Healthcare professionals draw a blood sample from a vein, usually from the arm. The collected blood is sent to a laboratory for analysis. As mentioned, it is usually a part of a CBC exam; however, it may sometimes be conducted individually.

What causes abnormal hematocrit levels?
A lower-than-normal hematocrit can indicate the following:

Hemolytic anemia
This condition is characterized by a shortage of healthy RBCs because they die faster than the rate of production.

Leukemia and lymphoma
Prolonged illnesses and cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can cause an abnormally high about of white blood cells (WBCs) compared to RBCs.

Hyponatremia
This is a health condition where the body receives more water than needed, diluting the blood volume.

Thyroid disease
Since thyroid hormones support erythrocyte formation, any disorder in the thyroid gland can cause the depletion of RBCs.

Besides the reasons mentioned above, low hematocrit levels can be due to kidney disease, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, and blood loss from injury or any bleeding disorder.

A higher-than-normal hematocrit can indicate dehydration, polycythemia vera (a type of blood cancer), heart and lung disease, sleep apnea, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The hematocrit test is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing blood disorders and detecting other health conditions. Interpreting the results correctly can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention, promoting better overall health. Those experiencing symptoms related to blood disorders should consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and management. Ignoring low RBC levels can worsen existing heart conditions and lead to severe complications that can be hard to manage.