Hematocrit

What is Hematocrit?

Hematocrit is a medical test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a sample of blood. It is also known as the packed cell volume (PCV), and it is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so the hematocrit can help assess oxygen transport or delivery in the body.

Preparation For Hematocrit

Before undergoing the test, the patient should inform the healthcare provider of any recent illnesses or medication use. Within a few hours before the test the patient should not eat too much fat, alcohol, or exercise. Additionally, the patient should not smoke for at least one hour before the test.

Procedure of Hematocrit Test

During the procedure, the healthcare provider or technician will use a needle to draw a sample of the patient's blood. Usually the sample is taken from the arm or a finger. Once the sample of blood is taken, it is placed in a special tube that contains an anticoagulant. The anticoagulant prevents the blood from clotting. The sample is then placed in a centrifuge, which is used to separate the white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. The separated cells are then placed in a tube, and the percentage of red blood cells is measured using a microscope.

Types of Hematocrit Test

• Venous Hematocrit
• Capillary Hematocrit

Risks and Complications of Hematocrit Test

The hematocrit test is a low-risk procedure. Generally, the only risk associated with the procedure is slight bruising or soreness around the puncture site.

Why is Hematocrit Test Needed?

The hematocrit test is used to measure the amount of red blood cells in the blood and to assess the oxygen levels in the body. The test can be used to detect anemia, dehydration, or infection, as well as other conditions that may affect red blood cell levels.

When to Get a Hematocrit Test?

There are several reasons why a healthcare provider may prescribe a hematocrit test. Generally, it is used to diagnose anemia, infection, dehydration, or certain genetic blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. In some cases, the test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain conditions.