Hematocrit (HCT)

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Formed elements of blood

HCT

Hematocrit (varies with altitude):

• Male: 40.7-50.3%
• Female: 36.1-44.3%

Low hematocrit may indicate:

• anemia (various types)
• blood loss (hemorrhage)
• bone marrow failure (e.g., due to radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor)
• destruction of red blood cells
• leukemia
• malnutrition or specific nutritional deficiency
• multiple myeloma
• rheumatoid arthritis

• dehydration
  • burns
  • diarrhea
• erythrocytosis (excessive red blood cell production)
• polycythemia vera

This test may be performed under many other conditions and in the assessment of many disease states.

Review Date: 02/03/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.