What is hematocrit?
This test measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. This is a quick way of checking the red blood cell count and checking for health conditions such as anemia. This test is included in Nordic Wellth’s Complete Blood Count (CBC) test.
Why test hematocrit?
High cholesterol is a "silent" condition without direct symptoms, but it can lead to serious health issues over time. These include chest pain (angina), heart attacks (with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating), strokes (sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking), and peripheral artery disease (leg pain and cramping during activity). Additionally, it can cause fatty deposits under the skin around the eyes, elbows, knees, and ankles. These issues arise from plaque buildup in the arteries, highlighting the need for regular cholesterol checks and management.
What causes low hematocrit levels?
The results of a hematocrit test are considered alongside other test results. A low hematocrit with a low RBC count and a low hemoglobin level indicates anemia. The most common anemia is iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
This can be due to a lack of dietary iron, iron loss, pregnancy, or malabsorption and is associated with certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Low B12, folate, and long-term alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of anemia.
Dehydration can also cause abnormal hematocrit values. The results of a hematocrit test are considered alongside other test results.
Symptoms of low hematocrit
Low hematocrit levels, indicating anemia, can cause many symptoms due to reduced oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. These symptoms include fatigue, general physical weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pain, cold hands and feet, frequent or severe headaches, and irregular heartbeat or palpitations. These issues arise because fewer red blood cells are available to carry oxygen throughout the body, underscoring the importance of proper diagnosis and management of low hematocrit levels.
What causes high hematocrit levels?
The results of an RBC test are considered alongside other test results. A high hematocrit with a high RBC and high hemoglobin count indicates polycythemia. Some causes include dehydration, lung disease, smoking, and various health conditions.
Symptoms of high hematocrit
High hematocrit levels can lead to various symptoms due to increased blood viscosity and reduced oxygen delivery. These symptoms include fatigue, frequent or severe headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, flushed skin, shortness of breath, frequent or severe nosebleeds, itching (particularly after a warm shower or bath), high blood pressure, and an increased risk of blood clots, which can cause pain and swelling, especially in the legs. These issues result from thicker blood impairing circulation and oxygen delivery, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing hematocrit levels.
More information
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparations for this test
No preparation is needed for this test.
On the day of the test
Always take your ID with you when going for a test. Arrive early and sit quietly for 15 minutes before taking the test.