Hematocrit

Definition

Hematocrit is the proportion of red blood cells in your blood, expressed as a percentage. It is a key indicator in diagnosing various medical conditions including fluid volume excess.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal hematocrit levels are approximately 38-50% for males and 34-44% for females.
2. Low hematocrit levels can indicate anemia or fluid overload.
3. High hematocrit levels can suggest dehydration or polycythemia.
4. Hematocrit values are crucial in assessing renal function and overall fluid balance in the body.
5. In patients with renal-associated fluid volume excess, hematocrit levels may be low due to dilution of blood.

Review Questions

• What does a low hematocrit level indicate in the context of fluid volume status?
• How might high hematocrit levels affect a patient's diagnosis?
• Why is hematocrit an important measure when evaluating renal function?

Related terms

Anemia:

A condition where there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, often leading to fatigue and weakness.

Polycythemia:

A condition characterized by an increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, through either an increase in red cell mass or a decrease in plasma volume.

Dehydration:

A condition that results from excessive loss of body water, often leading to increased hematocrit and concentrated blood.