Hematocrit (Hct) is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. Hematocrit measurement is used to assess anemia, blood loss and hydration status or any possible polycythemia as well as the organism's response to treatment.
Hematocrit measurement is part of the Complete Blood Count
What Do Pathological Values Mean?
- Increase: Addison's disease, blood doping (autologous transfusion to improve athletic performance), burns (severe), dehydration (severe), diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, eclampsia, erythrocytosis, hemoconcentration, pancreatitis (acute), polycythemia vera, shock, tetralogy of Fallot, hepatocellular cancer.
- Decrease: Anemia, bone marrow hyperplasia, burns (severe), heart failure, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, cystic fibrosis, fatty liver, fluid overload, hemolytic reactions due to chemicals or drugs or implants, hemorrhage, pregnancy hydremia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, idiopathic steatorrhea, intestinal obstruction, leukemia, pancreatitis (hemorrhagic), pneumonia, pregnancy, vegetarian diet, lack of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid. Medications: acetaminophen, acetohexamide, aminosalicylic acid, amphotericin, antimony tartrate, antineoplastic agents, antibiotics, chloramphenicol, chloroquine, doxapram, ethosuximide, ethotoin, furazolidone, haloperidol, hydralazine hydrochloride, indomethacin, isocarboxazid, isoniazid, mefenamic acid, diuretics, methaqualone, ethosuximide, methyldopa, nitrite, nitrofurantoin, novobiocin, oleandomycin oxyphenbutazone, paramethadione, penicillins, phenacemide, phenelzine, phenobarbital, phenobarbital same, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, phytonadione, primidone, radioactive substances, rifampicin, spectinomycin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, thiocyanates, thiosemicarbazones, tolazamide, tolbutamide, tranylcypromine, trimethadione, tripelennamine, troleandomycin, valproic acid, vitamin A, zidovudine (AZT).
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
