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Abnormal Hematocrit Levels, Beware Of These Diseases

Hematocrit is the level of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cell levels that are too low and or too high can be a sign that you are suffering from certain diseases such as anemia or dehydration. Hematocrit (Ht) shows the percentage ratio of red blood cells to blood volume. This red blood cell has an important role for your health as a carrier of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. To stay healthy, the body needs a proportion of the number of red blood cells in the standard normal range. Hematocrit levels expressed in units of percent. 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 range of hematocrit. This difference is based on the age, gender of the person and the location of the testing laboratory. Broadly speaking, the range of normal hematocrit values ​​based on age and gender, namely:
  • Newborns: 55% to 68%
  • 1 week of age: 47% to 65%
  • 1 month of age: 37% to 49%
  • 3 months of age: 30% to 36%
  • 1 year of age: 29% to 41%
  • 10 years old: 36% to 40%
  • Adult men: 42% to 54%
  • Adult women: 38% to 46%

Hematocrit is not a normal sign that you have this disease

The hematocrit test is part of a complete blood test. The hematocrit test can help the doctor diagnose or know the patient's illness, and also help determine how well the patient's body responds to the treatment that has been given. Generally, these investigations are used to detect anemia, leukemia, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies. The doctor will recommend a hematocrit test if there is a suspicion of disease that might be indicated by the high or low of your red blood cells. Low hematocrit levels can be caused due to the following health conditions:
  • Anemia (lack of red blood cells)
  • Bleeding
  • Leukemia
  • Destruction of red blood cells
  • Malnutrition or malnutrition
  • Excessive water consumption
  • Lack of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6
  • Kidney failure
  • Bone marrow damage.
Meanwhile, high hematocrit levels can be found in people who live at high altitudes and in heavy smokers. High levels of hematocrit can also indicate diseases such as:
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Dehydration
  • Right heart failure
  • Low levels of oxygen in the blood
  • Bone marrow disease that causes abnormal levels of red blood cells in the blood
  • Scarring 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 a laboratory for evaluation. Blood samples are taken through the most prominent veins, usually in the elbow or back of the hand. In the laboratory, hematocrit is evaluated using a centrifuge, a machine that rotates at high speed so that it can separate contents or components in the blood. Special anticoagulants will be added to keep the blood from clotting. When the test tube is taken from the centrifuge, it is seen that the blood samples are separated into three parts, namely red blood cells, anticoagulants, and blood plasma. Each component will settle in a different part of the tube. It will be seen that the red blood cell moves to the bottom or settles under the tube. Then, the number of red blood cells is compared with the total volume of blood in the tube. After obtaining the results in units of percent, then compared with standard values ​​or normal values. Thus it will be concluded whether the blood hematocrit value tested is classified as normal or abnormal (too low or high). Before running a hematocrit test, you should consult a doctor about your condition, such as pregnancy or whether you have just had a blood transfusion. The reason is, there are a number of factors that can affect the results of hematocrit tests and produce inaccurate results. For example in people who have just lost blood, have just had a blood transfusion, people who experience severe dehydration, or people who live in the highlands Generally, hematocrit tests do not cause side effects or significant risks. You may experience some bleeding and bruising at the point where the blood is drawn. Contact your doctor immediately if swelling or bleeding does not stop after taking a blood sample. After the results are obtained, you can consult a doctor about your hematocrit levels and get the right treatment, if there are abnormalities.

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