Hematocrit: what is its norm and what does it mean? Hematocrit indicators in a blood test: what is it and how is Hct hematocrit determined.

Content

An important indicator when determining the proportional composition of blood, hematocrit is used. It reflects the percentage of red blood cells and plasma. Small deviations in this indicator can be considered a natural phenomenon for the body. If the changes are significant, they indicate a pathological process in the body. For this reason, hematocrit is used to identify and subsequently monitor diseases that are associated with red blood cell levels.

What is hematocrit in a blood test?

In medicine, the term “hematocrit number” is considered more correct. It is called for short among health workers. In more scientific language, hematocrit is the content of red blood cells, the calculation formula for which is expressed as a fraction or multiplied by 0.01, the unit of measurement is percentage. This indicator can be determined with the naked eye. When the blood settles, the red blood cells settle and their percentage of the total volume is easy to calculate. In laboratory conditions, other methods are used, because there is a risk of spontaneous sedimentation of blood cells.

What is the hematocrit indicator for?

An important component of blood, as a liquid with proteins, trace elements and enzymes in its composition, are erythrocytes - red cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They are formed on the basis of stem cells with the participation of the hormone erythropoietin. Their number reflects the hematocrit (designation - Ht). This indicator is routinely included in a general blood test along with determining the level of platelets, leukocytes and hemoglobin. Note: in the results it appears as NCT (short for the Latin name hematocrit).

This value is important because red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. We can say that hematocrit is an indicator that reflects the ability of blood to perform its main function. This property of this number, in combination with a hemoglobin test, helps to identify anemia. Another area of application is the diagnosis and screening of diseases due to which the proportional composition of the blood is disturbed. Among the specific indications for determining the hematocrit number are the following:

determining the effectiveness of therapy against polycythemia or anemia;
confirmation of the need for blood transfusions or other treatments for severe anemia;
assessment of the patient's condition during dehydration.

Detecting and determining the degree of anemia

Hematocrit is widely used to judge the degree iron deficiency anemia. It is a disease that arises as a result of impaired utilization processes or insufficient intake of iron. This pathological process disrupts the synthesis of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which causes their number to decrease and their functional abilities to decrease.

Hematocrit reflects the ratio of red blood cells to plasma. For this reason, when the number of red blood cells decreases, which is observed with anemia, the hematocrit number also decreases. Among the external signs of this pathology are:

pale skin;
general weakness and;
fainting;
feeling of lack of energy.

Diagnosis of diseases affecting blood composition

In addition to anemia, the hematocrit number helps to identify certain diseases in the patient. These are mainly those pathologies that can affect blood composition. Thus, deviations of hematocrit values from the norm allow us to identify the following diseases or special cases:

second degree burns;
dehydration;
chronic hypoxia;
reactions to long-term use of glucocorticosteroids or diuretics;
kidney diseases;
peritonitis;
spherocytosis;
thalassemia;
myocardial infarction, kidney, lung, spleen;
erythremia;
mountaineering and tourism (accommodation in the highlands);
toxic poisoning of the body;
excessive weight gain;
alcohol abuse;
experienced stress, constant depression;
passive smoking (especially for children);
long flights across continents;
primary tumors;
dysbacteriosis;
blood loss;
prolonged bed rest in the elderly;
cirrhosis of the liver;
varicose veins veins of the esophagus.

How is HCT determined?

To detect the level of HCT, special laboratory research. They are carried out using a glass graduated tube, which is also called hematocrit. It is filled with blood and centrifuged, which helps to identify which part of the tube is occupied by formed elements of biological fluid. The principle of determining the hematocrit number:

deprivation of blood using isotonic and dry anticoagulant;
centrifugation to separate red blood cells from plasma, which takes place within a standard time and a certain number of revolutions.3

There are two methods for determining hematocrit: micromethod (microhematocrit), macromethod (macrohematocrit). The results obtained using the second method are slightly higher compared to the first. Dividing the blood in a centrifuge into plasma and the following layers helps to determine the number of red blood cells:

Red blood cell mass. It is a red translucent agent located at the bottom.
Red blood cells with restored metabolic activity due to nearby red blood cells. They are represented by a narrow dark stripe called the Braunberger layer.
Leukocytes and platelets. They look like a gray-whitish layer.

Hematocrit norm

Throughout a person's life, hematocrit changes. The reason is an increase in blood volume, which causes the number of formed elements to change. The highest rates are observed in infancy. By the age of 6 years, the hematocrit number gradually decreases, and then acquires values of about 33-44%. The specific value is also influenced by the physiological state of a person. Women during pregnancy are characterized by mild anemia, so their hematocrit is reduced.

Men have a slightly larger average red blood cell volume. This means that their hematocrit number is higher. If disturbances occur in a man’s body, then it is not the number of red blood cells that may change, but their structural characteristics. For this reason, the red cells decrease in size, which is why the analysis also shows a low HCT value. The hematocrit norms for each category of patients are shown in the table:



Newborns

From 1 year to 11 years
Teenagers 12-17 years old


Adults

hct concentration in blood test

If the hematocrit is in the range of 30-35%, then the patient requires observation in the clinic. He is also prescribed a diet. It is recommended to include a large amount of meat, leafy vegetables, fruits, and liver in the diet. A decrease in values to 25-27% indicates a pre-disease state. It can be eliminated by taking iron supplements and B vitamins. Urgent hospitalization is required when the hematocrit number decreases to 13%. This condition is considered very serious.

What does elevated levels mean in adults?

A deviation of hematocrit from the norm in one direction or another indicates various pathological processes in organism. The process of hematopoiesis is enhanced in pulmonary diseases such as obstructive bronchitis and bronchial asthma. The person cannot breathe normally and therefore experiences a lack of oxygen. The body compensates for this condition by producing more red blood cells. As a result, the hematocrit number increases.

The same is typical for late toxicosis during pregnancy, which disrupts kidney function and increases the content of red blood cells. Its thickening is observed closer to childbirth. This helps prepare a woman's body for childbirth, which is often accompanied by heavy blood loss. An increase in HCT is also observed with:

hydronephrosis;
polycystic disease;
uncontrolled use of diuretics or corticosteroids;
suffered stress;
diseases bone marrow or his condition after chemotherapy;
skin injuries;
gastrointestinal diseases;
non-compliance with the proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the diet;
erythrocytosis with congenital defects heart disease, peritonitis, uncontrollable vomiting, diabetes mellitus.

HCT levels can be reduced by changing your diet. It is necessary to drink more fluids, stop smoking and alcohol, and consume more foods with antioxidants. Grapefruit thins the blood. The flavonoid in its composition normalizes the properties of red blood cell membranes, reducing their aggregation. If necessary, drugs from the category of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are prescribed. This treatment is indicated only for elevated hematocrit. Erythrocytepheresis also helps reduce HCT levels.

Causes of increased blood density

When the number of red blood cells is increased, the thickness of the blood increases. This is observed in various conditions human body, both physiological and pathological. So, hematocrit is increased when:

Hypoxia. This is a chronic lack of oxygen that leads to an increase in the concentration of red blood cells. If a person spends a long time in a stuffy room, constantly smokes or suffers from diabetes mellitus, it is characterized by a state of hypoxia.
Dehydration. Lack of fluid in the body causes moisture deficiency, which reduces plasma concentration. As a result, the ratio of red blood cells to its volume increases, which is reflected by a high hematocrit. This is observed after attacks of vomiting, diarrhea, overheating and too active physical activity, which is accompanied by active sweating.
Staying in the mountains. Accompanied by hypoxia, i.e. lack of oxygen. This is observed when being in mountainous areas. Thin air contains less oxygen, so the body begins to produce more red blood cells. Oxygen cartridges help people working in mountainous areas and climbers avoid hypoxia.

What is dangerous for the heart and blood vessels?

Due to blood thickening, the risk of thrombosis increases significantly. For this reason, red blood cell counts are important for patients with heart and vascular diseases. Due to blockage of blood vessels and the formation of blood clots in the arteries, the load on the heart increases significantly. If it is weakened, it practically wears out. The result can even be a myocardial infarction.

With an increase in the number of platelets, arterial thrombosis is formed, which causes the stage of ischemia. It leads to oxygen starvation and subsequent tissue death. Fluid accumulation in heart failure also leads to increased HCT levels. If this indicator crosses the border of 50-55%, then the patient needs to be urgently hospitalized. To thin the blood to normal levels, he is prescribed anticoagulants. The simplest among them is Aspirin.

Hematocrit below normal

The HCT indicator may also change downwards. This also indicates a number of certain pathological conditions or diseases. The function of red blood cells is to supply tissues with oxygen and amino acids, therefore, when the number of red cells decreases, organ dysfunction is observed. Hematocrit is considered low if its value drops to the maximum 20-25%. There are different reasons, but the following are common:

decreased levels of red blood cells, called erythropenia;
accumulation large quantity body fluids that thin the blood;
excessive increase in protein concentration - hyperproteinemia, which binds and retains water in the body.

Reasons for rejection

Hematocrit is lowered when blood volume increases or the number of red blood cells decreases. In both cases, the proportional ratio of red blood cells to plasma decreases. This can happen with the following conditions or diseases:

Blood loss. BCC is quickly restored when infused with physiological solutions, but for red blood cells this takes time. In women, this is associated with heavy menstruation, fibroids and other gynecological pathologies. Other causes of blood loss are injuries and ulcers gastrointestinal tract or Bladder, for example, due to cancer or polyps, limb fractures.
Decreased reticulocyte synthesis– young red blood cells in the bone marrow. This is observed with kidney paresis, anemia, leukemia, leukemia, treatment with antitumor drugs and cytostatics.
Intensive breakdown of red blood cells. Associated with congenital or acquired hemolytic anemias, autoimmune diseases, serious infections such as malaria or typhoid fever. The cause may also be poisoning with hemolytic poisons in case of contact with heavy metals or toadstool.
Intravenous administration liquids in large quantities. This is the cause of low hematocrit in patients with impaired renal function. The introduction of fluid causes an increase in their blood volume. The level of red blood cells remains acceptable, which is why their concentration is significantly reduced.
Pregnancy. Against the background of an increase in the amount of plasma, the number of red blood cells remains unchanged, which is why the hematocrit number decreases. This condition is especially typical during late pregnancy.
Overhydration. This is an increase in the volume of circulating blood while the number of red blood cells remains unchanged. This is observed with water intoxication, decreased functional ability of the excretory system, circulatory failure, renal failure, poisoning, infectious or viral disease.
Hyperproteinemia. It is formed as a result of various diseases: Hodgkin lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, diarrhea, vomiting, paraproteinemic hemoblastosis. They cause an increase in protein in the blood, which causes fluid to accumulate in the body and increases the volume of blood volume. Red blood cells remain unchanged in quantity.
Nutrient deficiency. The reason for the decrease in blood density is a lack of folic acid, vitamin B and iron.

Determining the degree of anemia

The state of anemia is accompanied by a deficiency of Fe - iron in the body. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Patients with anemia experience general weakness, drowsiness and loss of strength. The degree of this condition is determined by the ratio of red blood cells and hemoglobin:

3,9-3/110-89 – initial;
3-2,5/89-50 – average;
less than 1.5/less than 40– heavy.

Including a large amount of vitamin C in the diet helps improve the condition. It helps iron be better absorbed. Dried fruits, red meat, liver, legumes, greens, and eggs can normalize hemoglobin levels. In some cases, additionally prescribed nutritional supplements with iron in its composition. They are also consumed daily to normalize hemoglobin levels and increase the number of red blood cells.

Deviations from the norm in children

In a situation where a woman is unable to breastfeed, the baby is at high risk of developing hyperprolactinemia. It indicates an increase in protein concentration in the blood. The reason is the child's consumption of cow's or goat's milk. Their protein levels are increased. You can correct the situation by buying milk with a lower content of this natural component.

Children with low red blood cell counts experience oxygen deprivation, which is very dangerous, especially for a very young child. Children over 3 years old suffer from the following symptoms:

fatigue;
pale skin color;
shortness of breath;
rapid heartbeat.

Children's mental abilities are declining. For them, it is impossible to identify separate reasons for changes in hematocrit. This condition is observed in them with the same diseases that are typical for adults. Among the more common reasons for a decrease in HCT are trivial vitamin deficiency and helminthic infestation. The latter is especially typical for children and adolescents. It can be eliminated by taking anthelmintics. After the course of treatment, the tests return to normal.

Changes in blood composition in pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases. On average, during pregnancy its volume increases by 30-50%. The specific number depends on the weight of the fetus. The larger it is, the larger the plasma volume. This is considered a natural process. The hematocrit decreases slightly. On average it is 31-36%. The indicators in the table are considered normal:

Determining hematocrit during pregnancy is necessary to monitor the health of the mother and the normal development of the baby in the womb. It is important that the child does not experience oxygen starvation. Each trimester has its own normal indicators:

First. By 6-12 weeks, plasma volume increases by 10-15%. By the end of the first to mid-second month of pregnancy, the hematocrit number decreases. If it does not reach 33%, then the pregnant woman is diagnosed with anemia.
Second. The blood volume continues to increase, which increases the risk of anemia. For this reason, at this stage, the gynecologist regularly monitors the expectant mother. An HCT value of less than 31% indicates the development of anemia and requires the use of iron supplements.
Third. Characterized by the lowest HCT index. From 30-34 weeks, BCC increases very quickly, and before birth it changes not so significantly. A condition with HCT below 32-34% is considered pathological.

In some patients, the hematocrit number, on the contrary, increases. This indicates a decrease in circulating blood volume, which is associated with dehydration. It is caused by vomiting due to toxicosis, diarrhea, violation of the drinking regime, excessive sweating due to hormonal disorders. Other reasons for increased HCT in pregnant women include:

late toxicosis (gestosis);
kidney dysfunction;
stress;
nervous overstrain;
eating a lot of salt.

In general, an indicator of less than 30% is considered dangerous. The result is anemia and general malaise. This condition is dangerous for the child because he experiences oxygen starvation. Hematocrit recovers after the birth of a child. If the HCT level does not stabilize, the woman is prescribed iron supplements. The changes in HCT shown in the table are considered normal, so no measures to increase or decrease it are required.

If the indicator differs from normal, then you can’t just leave it like that. If the HCT is significantly exceeded, it is necessary to drink large amounts of fluid and avoid salt. If the hematocrit number decreases, the pregnant woman’s diet is enriched with:

red meat;

Hematocrit - what is this indicator in a blood test, the norm in humans

The basic method for diagnosing most diseases is chemical. There are established limits for the content of all components of biological fluid. Having found out what the deviation of actual indicators from the norm means, the doctor can determine the correct diagnosis or refer the person for additional research.

What is hematocrit?

The indicated value refers to the group of tests for blood cells. Hematocrit is the concentration of red cells in its composition depending on the total volume. Less often this study is defined as the ratio of all components of biological fluid (, erythrocytes and) to the available amount of blood. There is almost no difference between both methods, because 99% of the volume of biological fluid is red cells.

Why is hematocrit determined?

Most patients of any doctor cannot independently decipher the results of studies. To understand why hematocrit is important in a blood test, what it is, how much it means and why it is determined whether it is increased or decreased, will help to study the formation and functions of red blood cells. The bone marrow produces almost 2.5 million red cells every second. They circulate in the body for about 120 days, providing cells, tissues and organs with oxygen. After performing all their functions, red blood cells are absorbed by macrophages.

Hematocrit means the concentration of red blood cells. This is one of the main tests for diagnosing anemia, but there are other pathologies that provoke a deviation of this indicator from the norm, a decrease or increase in the number of red blood cells or the total volume of biological fluid. There are non-dangerous and serious diseases in which the hematocrit is elevated; what this means, the attending physician should find out. To establish final diagnosis additional research will be required.

What is hematocrit measured in?

The units that define red cell concentration depend on the method of counting it. If the hematocrit in the blood is tested in a simple way, towards total number blood, how much it is elevated is measured as a percentage (%). When a study is carried out calculating the concentration of all formed elements of a biological fluid (this means red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets), the indicator in question is indicated by a decimal fraction accurate to hundredths. The units of measurement in this case are liter per liter (l/l).

Hematocrit - blood test

The described number is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of some serious diseases, including cancer, anemia, hypoxia, leukemia and other pathologies. Hematocrit in a blood test means a lot; to find out whether it is high or low, you need to know the limits of its normal values. They differ depending on the gender and age of the person, condition hormonal levels among women.

Hematocrit in the blood is normal

Elevated levels of red blood cell concentrations are observed in infancy. The normal hematocrit in newborns is 44-62%. Gradually, the plasma volume increases, which means that the number of red blood cells decreases (measured as a percentage):

1-3 months – 32-44;
4-12 months – 36-44;
1-10 years – 37-44.

Hematocrit is the norm for adults (%):

men – 44-48;
women – 36-43.

Separate boundaries are set for expectant mothers. During gestation, the fetus uses the woman's blood, which means that as it grows, its need for red blood cells becomes increased. For this reason, hematocrit norms for pregnant women differ slightly from the standard:

first trimester – 33-36%;
3-6 months of gestation – about 31%;
prenatal period – approximately 33%.

Hematocrit is higher than normal, what does this mean?

An increase in the concentration of red blood cells can occur due to physiological (non-hazardous) and pathological (serious) factors. If the hematocrit is elevated, then it is necessary to conduct additional studies. A large number of red blood cells causes thickening of the blood, and excessive viscosity of biological fluid can lead to the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels.

Hematocrit is increased - reasons

The considered deviation of blood composition from the norm is not always a health-threatening condition. Against the backdrop of some physiological reasons Hematocrit is increased, what does this mean:

Hypoxia. Oxygen deficiency in tissues often occurs due to smoking.
Dehydration of the body. The amount of plasma decreases, and the density of the blood increases.
Stay on top. A sharp change in atmospheric pressure affects the number of red blood cells in biological fluid.
Skin burns. The higher the area of epidermal damage, the more elevated the hematocrit.
Long-term use of certain medications. An increase in the concentration of red blood cells is caused by hormonal drugs, antibiotics, diuretics.

If this problem occurs due to pathological reasons, increased hematocrit means:

erythremia;
neoplasms in the kidneys;
acute dehydration;
leukemia;
peritonitis;
polycystic disease;
pulmonary failure;
heart defects;
intestinal obstruction;
arterial thrombosis;
cardiac ischemia.

A general blood test allows you to obtain fairly extensive information about a person’s condition. One of the indicators that you will find in the analysis is hematocrit, but not everyone knows its norm, so decoding becomes difficult. However, it is not so difficult to figure out what this indicator means, as well as what its deviations indicate.

Hematocrit is an indicator of a conditional value that can be obtained when prescribed for a general blood test. It indicates the ratio of the volume of blood cells to the total volume of blood in percentage terms. Sometimes the analysis can be performed with measurements only of red blood cells, which will also be true, since they are the main component of blood.

In the analysis, the hematocrit norm is not always indicated, and most often it is indicated by the combination HCT, that is, the decoding is assumed based on this line in the analysis. In this case, the more correct term is hematocrit number. The hematocrit itself is a glass flask that is used in blood tests for centrifugation. This number can also be called “blood density”; this is the popular definition for HCT.

HCT is measured as a percentage. However, sometimes decoding is done in decimal fractions, with accuracy reaching hundredths.

It is necessary to check whether the hematocrit indicator is normal in several cases. The most common is surgery, as well as pregnancy. Hematocrit during pregnancy is determined to eliminate the risk of losing a large amount of blood in women during childbirth. A general blood test is the first priority in diagnosing any disease. Doctors specifically require HCT when there are varicose veins on lower limbs, suspected autoimmune diseases or liver problems.

Blood clotting is, by and large, a protective reaction for humans. This helps protect the body from large blood loss. The endocrine and nervous systems are responsible for the process of regulating coagulation. In this case, a violation of blood flow can lead to blockage of blood vessels.

Only when in a liquid state can blood perform such important purposes as transporting nutrients, protecting the body, and performing trophic and thermoregulatory functions.

A general analysis can show how blood clotting is. An increased HCT score means an increased risk of thrombosis, heart attack and stroke. This is why doctors insist on regular general blood tests.

Normal indicators and increase

Speaking about the HCT norm, we can distinguish the so-called conditionally normal level. In particular, for women it ranges from 35 to 42 percent, for men from 40 to 47 percent. The children's norm should not exceed 44 percent and be below 32. However, you need to understand that such an average figure means that the change in HCT level depends on gender and age.

In particular, girls under 18 years of age have higher HCT scores than boys. However, for adults everything is somewhat different. For women under 45 years of age, the relevant figure in the analysis is from 35 to 45 percent. For women over 45 years of age, the figure should be between 35-47 percent.

For men, the norm from adulthood to 45 years is no less than 39 and no more than 49 percent. For the older generation, only the upper limit changes; it should not exceed 50 percent.

However, HCT does not always remain within the normal range; sometimes the interpretation of the analysis indicates an increase in the indicator. There may be several reasons for this:

prolonged hypoxia;
dehydration;
oncological diseases of the blood and kidneys.

When we talk about prolonged hypoxia, we mean a lack of air. We are not talking about suffocation, but about the fact that insufficient oxygen enters the blood. As a result, hemoglobin increases, and the body also begins to increase the number of red blood cells. A general analysis will reveal such an increase in HCT in people suffering from respiratory problems, smokers, mountaineers or tourists who often stay in mountainous areas.

Dehydration is another common cause of increased HCT. . Dehydration can often be encountered with peritonitis, infectious diseases, problems with housing and communal services and burns.

Unfortunately, deciphering the analysis with high rate hematocrit may be the first step in determining oncological diseases blood and kidneys. Increased blood density is a mandatory attribute of leukemia or a tumor in the kidneys. If the transcript leads the doctor to exactly this conclusion, the patient will be prescribed additional studies that will reveal the exact cause of the increase.

Reduced rate

As a result of the analysis, you can find not only an increased, but also a decreased hematocrit. Often the cause of a decrease in hematocrit number is anemia, which is of a hypoplastic nature. Overhydration can also cause a decrease in HCT. We are not talking about high fluid consumption, but about its presence in the blood. The cause of this condition may be a kidney problem, poisoning, infectious or viral diseases.

Hyperproteinemia also cannot be excluded from the list possible reasons. In this case, the protein draws water onto itself, which leads to a decrease in blood density. Elevated levels of proteins in the blood may be a consequence of liver damage.

Hematocrit also decreases during pregnancy. This reason is physiological. If for healthy women the figure should not be lower than 35 percent, then in pregnant women figures of 33-32 are often found. This is due to testing the body's strength with additional loads. As a result, there may appear various diseases, from which the woman has not previously suffered, this leads to a decrease in HCT to low levels. In this case, the level of HCT will proportionally depend on the number of fetuses in the womb. In twin pregnancies, the hematocrit rarely rises above 30 percent.

The HCT level helps determine physiological hydremia in a woman. This does not mean that oxygen transport in the blood is poor. This is due to erythrocyte hyperplasia of the bone marrow. This is a common condition in pregnant women in which the number of red blood cells in the blood increases. In this case, an increase in plasma amount becomes the cause of hydremia.

Closer to childbirth, hematocrit levels increase to protect the body from blood loss during ruptures. This is why determining the reason for the low number is very important. Physiological features should not scare you, but demotion due to illness requires treatment.

Experts emphasize that a decrease in hematocrit often causes a decrease in iron levels in the body. This causes the development of first degree anemia. It is very important that during pregnancy a woman receives iron in sufficient quantities, otherwise after childbirth she may face a severe shortage.

Increasing iron levels can be achieved with the help of medications medicinal type, which contains necessary element in the required concentration. The course of treatment is selected individually by a specialist. It’s a good idea to add a complex of juices and multivitamins to your medications.

If a woman suffers from poor glandular absorption, then parenteral administration is used. The course of treatment usually does not exceed three weeks. Moreover, despite the presence of anemia in the mother, the child will not have problems with the hematocrit number. However, due to the lack of large reserves of this element in the body, its level can drop sharply, which is normalized with the help of a balanced diet.

In women with this condition, a lack of iron and folic acid can be observed. This is a fairly common occurrence. Such insufficient indicators indicate a low number of red blood cells in the blood.

An increase in hematocrit during pregnancy occurs in some women. This indicates that the density of the blood has increased, and accordingly, a risk is created for the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous system of the expectant mother. Equally important, increased HCT can cause fetal hypoxia. This entails developmental problems and can also cause death.

An increased hematocrit in pregnant women is most often observed due to dehydration, which is caused by early toxicosis. Vomiting, especially in combination with diarrhea, quickly dehydrates the body. All this may be accompanied by excessive sweating, which is caused by hormonal imbalance. Also, do not forget about maintaining a drinking regime, especially in hot weather conditions.

Late toxicosis is observed much less frequently in women, but it cannot be excluded from the list of possible causes. Late toxicosis is a consequence of improper functioning of the kidneys, liver or heart. Also worth checking nervous system and the placenta. An unhealthy diet, in particular, excessive consumption of salty foods, can increase HCT levels.

A blood test makes it possible to determine the level of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, and find out information about the hematocrit (HTC). What is hematocrit in a blood test, what does its low or high level show?

Hematocrit in the blood is the ratio of red blood cells to its plasma, another name is blood viscosity. The hematocrit number depends on the age category and gender of the patient. or a decrease in the indicator indicates the development of pathologies in the body.

Determination of hematocrit

Analysis readings and norm

The NST blood test determines the level of hemoglobin and is required during pregnancy in women. With its help, you can find out diseases that contribute to the deviation of the indicator from the norm.

There are other situations in which analysis is prescribed:

The degree of anemia is determined - an increase in the level is observed. And polycythemia ( high level erythrocytes) – increased level.
The effectiveness of therapy for diseases that cause changes in the total number of red blood cells.
The need for a blood transfusion or the prescription of another treatment method is determined.
The degree of dehydration of the body.

The purpose of the study is necessary if the following symptoms appear:

Regular feeling of weakness and fatigue.
Frequent loss of consciousness.
Paleness of the skin.
Feeling of lack of oxygen, shortness of breath.
Deterioration of visual function.
Frequent dizziness and migraines.
Enlarged spleen.
Regular flushes of blood to the face.
Feeling of dryness in oral cavity, constant thirst.
Small amount of urine excreted.

The norm of hematocrit in the blood of women, men and children is different.

The norm of red blood cells in males is 44-50%, the norm in women is 36-42% or 0.36-0.42 l/l, in a newborn child the norm is 54-68%, which is significantly higher than in an adult.

For convenient interpretation of the analysis, the percentage value is multiplied by 0.01. The calculated number is as follows:

In children, the norm varies by age: infants - 0.46 - 0.62, up to one year of age 0.36 - 0.44, up to 10 years - 0.37 - 0.44. Next, when in good condition health reaches the norm of an adult.
In men, the hematocrit norm in the blood is 0.44-0.48 l/l (after 50 years it may increase slightly).

Attention! For women during pregnancy, the hematocrit decreases starting at 20 weeks.

How to calculate hematocrit number

Carrying out analysis

The method for determining hematocrit is simple and occurs in a laboratory, blood is taken from a finger. Before testing, an anticoagulant agent is placed in a washing tube. Only after this can blood be placed there.

Using the designation of the hematocrit number, the average size of red blood cells is determined; for this, the resulting number for conversion to milliliters is multiplied by 10 and divided by the number of cells, which is calculated in one microliter. Such calculations must be carried out in case of anemia and disorders of the hemoglobin metabolic process.

The hematocrit number is used to determine the viscosity of blood. Normally three times higher than that of water.

Attention! If the hematocrit level is increased to 60%, the risk of blood clots increases.

Hematocrit is reduced

The following factors contribute to a decrease in NBT hematocrit:

Anemia – there is a deficiency of Fe in the body, the number of red blood cells decreases, the patient complains of lack of strength, general weakness, and a sleepy state.
Pregnancy period - which is facilitated by an increase in blood volume; after the birth of the child, the norm is restored.
Blood loss - diffusion is carried out to restore volume, norms are restored over time.
Excessive water content in the body or certain parts of it (overhydration) - the amount of blood also increases, and water intoxication develops.

Disturbances in hematocrit hct in children have no specific causes, so the child’s condition should be monitored by the attending physician and parents.

Table of blood norms for a child

Hematocrit increased

If the hematocrit is increased during a general blood test, then most often the cause is an increased number and size of red blood cells. This helps increase blood volume.

The following disorders contribute to an increase in hematocrit:

Erythrocytosis.
Erythremia is excessive formation of red blood cells.
Compensation of the heart and blood vessels when supplying tissues with oxygen under abnormal conditions (high altitude, neoplasms in the kidneys, pulmonary failure, etc.).

Sometimes the causes may be temporary factors:

Intestinal obstruction.
Regular vomiting.
Increased blood viscosity.
Increased work of sweat glands.
Burns.
Peritonitis.

What is responsible for hematocrit disturbances?

The hematocrit value of NCT is not carried out in blood tests without identifying the level of red blood cells, since it does not make it possible to identify the cause of the pathology. Often, a deviation from the norm in hematocrit becomes the cause full examination, which makes it possible to identify pathologies at early stages of development.

Blood changes in children

Infants often exhibit hyperprolactinemia, which means an increase in the amount of protein. This occurs when feeding cow and goat milk, which is rich in protein. In such situations, if the mother cannot breastfeed, the child must be transferred to artificial feeding.

Important! When the level of blood cells is low, the child is exposed to oxygen starvation.

After reaching three years of age, deterioration in mental abilities is often observed without treatment, fast fatiguability, rapid contraction of the heart muscle and pallor of the skin. But it is worth remembering that vitamin deficiency can also cause similar symptoms.

Read also: – reasons, what is the danger and what to do?

The result of the study is indicated

Summarizing

Knowing what NCT is in a blood test and what deviations from the norm can lead to, you need to learn the following facts:

Changes in the level of NBT in a general blood test are normal. Moreover, their ratio should be higher than that of the adult population.

In men, the hematocrit norm is higher than in women.

Important! In case of deviations, consultation with a hematologist is necessary. In case of severe deviations, hospitalization in a medical institution is required.

If there are deviations from the norm in hematocrit tests, this does not indicate a disease. However, a medical examination is indicated.

Increased hematocrit in a child: causes and solutions to the problem

Hematocrit is one of the relative indicators general analysis blood. This indicator reflects, as a percentage, the proportion of cellular elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets) in the entire blood volume. Sometimes measurements are carried out only by the number of red blood cells, because these cells are the vast majority, almost 99% of the total cell volume.

In simple terms, our blood consists of liquid tissue with blood cells that provide protection to the body, carry oxygen and nutrients, and from plasma, which contains proteins, hormones, trace elements and enzymes. If you add a special anticoagulant to a test tube with blood, the blood will separate into 2 components - the blood particles are heavier and will settle to the bottom, the plasma will remain in the upper layer of the test tube, so the height of the lower layer is the hematocrit.

What hematocrit shows is more or less clear, but what is the established norm for this indicator and what threatens an increase or increases in its level, we will discuss in more detail.

Normal for women

Normal hematocrit values are established based on the gender and age of the person. The norm of hematocrit in the blood of women after 18 years of age can range from 0.33 to 0.47. A slight decrease in the indicator during the period of bearing a child is also allowed due to a physiological increase in liquid blood, therefore a special norm of hematocrit during pregnancy has been established - from 0.31 to 0.35. However, it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of the indicator regularly in each trimester of pregnancy in order to monitor the general health of the mother and the correct formation of the fetus in the womb. The number of red blood cells increases especially clearly by early pregnancy, at 6-10 weeks, as well as towards the end of the third trimester.

You should not self-medicate if certain abnormalities are detected in a blood test. A slightly increased or decreased hematocrit during pregnancy is absolutely easy to normalize with the help of special medications, for example, containing iron. But this should be done only after consultation with the doctor.

What does a high hematocrit mean?

If heavy blood cells predominate in the blood, the result may be slow circulation through the vessels, viscousness and the formation of plaques and blood clots. But it is by no means always somehow connected with the presence of a disease or pathology. Often, the increase in level is physiological in nature, or is regarded as an attempt by the body to self-regulate and maintain the balance of various internal physiological processes. And this is achieved through the formation of new “defense mechanisms” - blood cells. So, most common reasons, provoking increased hematocrit are:

Dehydration, insufficient amount of fluid for the normal functioning of the body. Dehydration occurs due to low water consumption, or due to large losses due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and overheating. Thus, there are more red blood cells than the liquid part of the blood.
Hypoxia or lack of oxygen. This phenomenon is often observed in heavy smokers, as well as in people living in high mountains. When oxygen starvation occurs, the body tries to compensate for the deficiency by increasing blood cells that carry oxygen and process carbon - these are red blood cells.
Taking some medicines, especially hormonal or with a strong diuretic effect, can lead to changes in blood status.
Tumors, hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney and adrenal glands are associated with impaired hematopoietic function.
Chronic stress, worries.

What is hematocrit (hct in a blood test), what is it responsible for and what is the norm for women, we told you in general terms. We will be glad if you share in the comments whether you knew about such a diagnostic indicator, or for what reason you found an increase or decrease from the standard. Good health to everyone!