HCT
HCT or Hematocrit is a medical term referring to the proportion of the blood that consists of red blood cells, by volume. The name comes from the Greek words 'haima' and 'kritēs', which mean 'blood' and 'judge' respectively.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The hematocrit is a test that measures the proportion of a person's blood that is made up of red blood cells (RBCs). This measurement depends on the number and size of the red blood cells. Hematocrit levels can be affected by many conditions, including dehydration, anemia, polycythemia, and other medical conditions.
Measurement[edit | edit source]
Hematocrit is typically measured by a medical laboratory through a blood test. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the blood into its different components. The volume of the red blood cells is then compared to the total volume of the blood sample, giving the hematocrit level.
Normal Ranges[edit | edit source]
Normal ranges for hematocrit can vary between sexes and are approximately 38.8% to 50.0% for males and 34.9% to 44.5% for females. These ranges can vary depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.
Conditions affecting HCT levels[edit | edit source]
Anemia and Polycythemia are two conditions that can affect hematocrit levels. Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells or the red blood cells do not function properly, resulting in a lower hematocrit level. Polycythemia is a condition in which there are too many red blood cells, resulting in a higher hematocrit level.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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