Hematocrit

Definition

The hematocrit is a test that measures the volume of blood by the percentage that is comprised of red blood cells. The hematocrit is also called the packed red cell volume because classically it is measured by centrifuging the blood in a capillary tube.

Purpose

The hematocrit is used to screen for anemia, or is measured on a person to determine the extent of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red blood cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis. The hematocrit is decreased in a variety of common conditions including chronic and recent acute blood loss, some cancers, kidney and liver diseases, malnutrition, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, iron deficiency, pregnancy , systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. An elevated hematocrit is most often associated with severe burns , diarrhea , shock , Addison's disease, and dehydration . These conditions reduce the volume of plasma water causing a relative increase in RBCs or hemoconcentration. An elevated hematocrit may also be caused by an absolute increase in blood cells called polycythemia. This may be secondary to hypoxia or the result of a proliferation of blood forming cells in the bone marrow (polycythemia vera).

Transfusion decisions are based upon the results of laboratory tests, including the hematocrit. Generally, transfusion is not considered necessary if the hematocrit is below 21%. The hematocrit is also used as a guide to how many transfusions are needed. Each unit of packed red blood cells administered to an adult is expected to increase the hematocrit by approximately 4%.

Precautions

Fluid volume in the blood affects hematocrit values. Accordingly, the blood sample should not be taken from an arm receiving IV fluid or during hemodialysis. It should be noted that pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, which increases the hematocrit.

In addition, care should be taken to avoid hemolysis, as this will invalidate test results. Certain drugs such as penicillin and chloramphenicol may decrease the hematocrit, while glucose levels above 400 mg/dL are known to elevate results. Blood should be collected in heparin or

EDTA (edetic acid) and measured within six hours to avoid RBC (red blood cell) swelling. Prolonged use of the tourniquet during collection will increase the hematocrit. Excess EDTA caused by an incomplete filling of the tube will falsely lower the hematocrit. Blood for hematocrit may be collected either by finger puncture or venipuncture. When performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it dilutes the sample with tissue fluid. A nurse or phlebotomist usually collects the sample following standard precautions for the prevention of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Description

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. Conversely, an increase in the number or size of red cells

KEY TERMS

Anemia —A lack of oxygen carrying capacity commonly caused by a decrease in red blood cell number, size, or function.

Hematocrit —The volume of blood occupied by the red blood cells expressed in percent.

increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia minor is an exception in that it usually causes an increase in the number of red blood cells, but because they are small, it results in a decreased hematocrit.

The hematocrit may be measured manually by centrifugation. A thin capillary tube called a microhematocrit tube is filled with blood and sealed at the bottom. The tube is centrifuged at 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) for five minutes. The RBCs have the greatest mass and are forced to the bottom of the tube. The WBCs and platelets form a thin layer between the RBCs and the plasma called the buffy coat, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit. Most commonly, the hematocrit is measured indirectly by an automated blood cell counter. The counter measures the RBCs by impedence. A RBC displaces electrolyte in the counting aperture causing a voltage pulse proportional to the cell size. The instrument calculates the mean cell volume (MCV) from the voltage pulses. The MCV is multiplied by the RBC count to give the hematocrit. Whole blood electrolyte analyzers measure the hematocrit using a conductivity electrode. The electrical conductivity of the sample is inversely related to the hematocrit after correcting for the sodium concentration. It is important to recognize that different results may be obtained when different measurement principles are used. For example, the microhematocrit tube method will give slightly higher results than the electronic methods when RBCs of abnormal shape are present because more plasma is trapped between the cells.

Aftercare

Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising; warm packs relieve discomfort. Some people feel dizzy or faint after blood has been drawn and should be treated accordingly.

Complications

Other than potential bruising at the puncture site, and/or dizziness, there are no complications associated with this test.

Results

Normal values vary with age and sex. Some representative ranges are:

• at birth: 42-60%
• six to 12 months: 33-40%
• adult males: 42-52%
• adult females: 35-47%

Health care team roles

Laboratory scientists perform hematocrit tests using manual or automated procedures. Critically high or low levels should be immediately called to the attention of the patient's nurse or doctor. Nurses should bring high or low hematocrit levels to the attention of the patient's physician, and should also report any signs and symptoms that could be associated with the increase or decrease such as medications, excessive thirst, tachycardia, low blood pressure , weakness, etc.

Resources

BOOKS

Chernecky, Cynthia C, and Berger, Barbara J. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.

Kee, Joyce LeFever. Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Victoria E. DeMoranville

Hematocrit

Definition

The hematocrit is a test that measures the volume of blood by the percentage that is comprised of red blood cells. The hematocrit is also called the packed red cell volume because classically it is measured by centrifuging the blood in a capillary tube.

Purpose

The hematocrit is used to screen for anemia, or is measured on a person to determine the extent of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red blood cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis. The hematocrit is decreased in a variety of common conditions including chronic and recent acute blood loss, some cancers, kidney and liver diseases, malnutrition, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, iron deficiency, pregnancy, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. An elevated hematocrit is most often associated with severe burns, diarrhea, shock, Addison's disease, and dehydration. These conditions reduce the volume of plasma water causing a relative increase in RBCs or hemoconcentration. An elevated hematocrit may also be caused by an absolute increase in blood cells called polycythemia. This may be secondary to hypoxia or the result of a proliferation of blood forming cells in the bone marrow (polycythemia vera).

Transfusion decisions are based on the results of laboratory tests, including the hematocrit. Generally, transfusion is not considered necessary if the hematocrit is below 21%. The hematocrit is also used as a guide to how many transfusions are needed. Each unit of packed red blood cells administered to an adult is expected to increase the hematocrit by approximately 4%.

Precautions

Fluid volume in the blood affects hematocrit values. Accordingly, the blood sample should not be taken from an arm receiving IV fluid or during hemo-dialysis. It should be noted that pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, which increases the hematocrit.

In addition, care should be taken to avoid hemolysis, as this will invalidate test results. Certain drugs such as penicillin and chloramphenicol may decrease the hematocrit, while glucose levels above 400 mg/dL are known to elevate results. Blood should be collected in heparin or EDTA (edetic acid) and measured within six hours to avoid RBC (red blood cell) swelling. Prolonged use of the tourniquet during collection will increase the hematocrit. Excess EDTA caused by an incomplete filling of the tube will falsely lower the hematocrit. Blood for hematocrit may be collected either by finger puncture or venipuncture. When performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it dilutes the sample with tissue fluid. A nurse or phlebotomist usually collects the sample following standard precautions for the prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Description

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. Conversely, an increase in the number or size of red cells increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia minor is an exception in that it usually causes an increase in the number of red blood cells, but because they are small, it results in a decreased hematocrit.

The hematocrit may be measured manually by centrifugation. A thin capillary tube called a micro-hematocrit tube is filled with blood and sealed at the bottom. The tube is centrifuged at 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) for five minutes. The RBCs have the greatest mass and are forced to the bottom of the tube. The WBCs and platelets form a thin layer between the RBCs and the plasma called the buffy coat, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit. Most commonly, the hematocrit is measured indirectly by an automated blood cell counter. The counter measures the RBCs by impedence. A RBC displaces electrolyte in the counting aperture causing a voltage pulse proportional to the cell size. The instrument calculates the mean cell volume (MCV) from the voltage pulses. The MCV is multiplied by the RBC count to give the hematocrit. Whole blood electrolyte analyzers measure the hematocrit using a conductivity electrode. The electrical conductivity of the sample is inversely related to the hematocrit after correcting for the sodium concentration. It is important to recognize that different results may be obtained when different measurement principles are used. For example, the microhematocrit tube method will give slightly higher results than the electronic methods when RBCs of abnormal shape are present because more plasma is trapped between the cells.

Aftercare

Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising; warm packs relieve discomfort. Some people feel dizzy or faint after blood has been drawn and should be treated accordingly.

Complications

Other than potential bruising at the puncture site, and/or dizziness, there are no complications associated with this test.

Results

Normal values vary with age and sex. Some representative ranges are:

• at birth: 42-60%
• six to 12 months: 33-40%
• adult males: 42-52%
• adult females: 35-47%

KEY TERMS

Anemia— A lack of oxygen carrying capacity commonly caused by a decrease in red blood cell number, size, or function.

Hematocrit— The volume of blood occupied by the red blood cells expressed in percent.

Health care team roles

Laboratory scientists perform hematocrit tests using manual or automated procedures. Critically high or low levels should be immediately called to the attention of the patient's nurse or doctor. Nurses should bring high or low hematocrit levels to the attention of the patient's physician, and should also report any signs and symptoms that could be associated with the increase or decrease such as medications, excessive thirst, tachycardia, low blood pressure, weakness, etc.

Resources

BOOKS

Chernecky, Cynthia C., and Berger, Barbara J. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.

Kee, Joyce LeFever. Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Hematocrit

Definition
Purpose
Precautions
Description
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results

Definition

The hematocrit is a test that measures the percentage of blood that is comprised of red blood cells.

Purpose

The hematocrit is used to screen for anemia, or is measured on a person to determine the extent of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red blood cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis. The hematocrit is decreased in a variety of common conditions including chronic and recent acute blood loss, some cancers, kidney and liver diseases, malnutrition, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, irondeficiency, pregnancy, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. An elevated hematocrit is most often associated with severe burns, diarrhea, shock, Addison’s disease, and dehydration, which is a decreased amount of water in the tissues. These conditions reduce the volume of plasma water causing a relative increase in RBCs, which concentrates the RBCs, called hemoconcentration. An elevated hematocrit may also be caused by an absolute increase in blood cells, called polycythemia. This may be secondary to a decreased amount of oxygen, called hypoxia, or the result of a proliferation of blood forming cells in the bone marrow (polycythemia vera).

Critically high or low levels should be immediately called to the attention of the patient’s nurse or doctor. Transfusion decisions are based on the results of laboratory tests, including the hematocrit. Generally, transfusion is not considered necessary if the hematocrit is above 21%. The hematocrit is also used as a guide to how many transfusions are needed. Each unit of packed red blood cells administered to an adult is expected to increase the hematocrit by approximately 3% to 4%.

Precautions

Fluid volume in the blood affects hematocrit values. Accordingly, the blood sample should not be taken from an arm receiving IV fluid or during hemodialysis. It should be noted that pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, which increases the hematocrit.

In addition, certain drugs such as penicillin and chloramphenicol may decrease the hematocrit, while glucose levels above 400 mg/dL are known to elevate results. Blood for hematocrit may be collected either by finger puncture, or sticking a needle into a vein, called venipuncture. When performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it dilutes the sample with tissue fluid. A nurse or phlebotomist usually collects the sample following cleaning and disinfecting the skin at the site of the needle stick.

KEY TERMS

Anemia— A lack of oxygen carrying capacity commonly caused by a decrease in red blood cell number, size, or function.

Dehydration— A decreased amount of water in the tissues.

Hematocrit— The volume of blood occupied by the red blood cells, and expressed in percent.

Hypoxia— A decreased amount of oxygen in the tissues.

Polycythemia— A condition in which the amount of RBCs are increased in the blood.

Description

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. Conversely, an increase in the number or size of red cells increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia minor is an exception in that it usually causes an increase in the number of red blood cells, but because they are small, it results in a decreased hematocrit.

The hematocrit may be measured manually by centrifugation. A thin capillary tube called a microhematocrit tube is filled with blood and sealed at the bottom. The tube is centrifuged at 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) for five minutes. The RBCs have the greatest weight and are forced to the bottom of the tube. The WBCs and platelets form a thin layer, called the buffy coat, between the RBCs and the plasma, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit. Most commonly, the hematocrit is measured indirectly by an automated blood cell counter. It is important to recognize that different results may be obtained when different measurement principles are used. For example, the microhematocrit tube method will give slightly higher results than the electronic methods when RBCs of abnormal shape are present because more plasma is trapped between the cells.

Aftercare

Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising; warm packs relieve discomfort. Some people feel dizzy or faint after blood has been drawn, and lying down and relaxing for awhile is helpful for these people.

Risks

Other than potential bruising at the puncture site, and/or dizziness, there are no complications associated with this test.

Normal results

Normal values vary with age and sex. Some representative ranges are:

• at birth: 42-60%
• six to 12 months: 33-40%
• adult males: 42-52%
• adult females: 35-47%

Resources

BOOKS

Chernecky, Cynthia C. and Barbara J. Berger. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.

Kee, Joyce LeFever. Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Kjeldsberg, Carl R. Practical Diagnosis of Hematologic Disorders. 3rd ed. Chicago: ASCP Press, 2000.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Association of Blood Banks. 8101 Glenbrook Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. (301) 907-6977. Fax: (301) 907-6895. http://www.aabb.org.

Victoria E. DeMoranville

Mark A. Best

Hematocrit

Definition

The hematocrit is a test that measures the percentage of blood that is comprised of red blood cells.

Purpose

The hematocrit is used to screen for anemia, or is measured on a person to determine the extent of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red blood cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis. The hematocrit is decreased in a variety of common conditions including chronic and recent acute blood loss, some cancers, kidney and liver diseases, malnutrition, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, iron deficiency, pregnancy, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. An elevated hematocrit is most often associated with severe burns, diarrhea, shock, Ad dison's disease, and dehydration, which is a decreased amount of water in the tissues. These conditions reduce the volume of plasma water causing a relative increase in RBCs, which concentrates the RBCs, called hemoconcentration. An elevated hematocrit may also be caused by an absolute increase in blood cells, called polycythemia. This may be secondary to a decreased amount of oxygen, called hypoxia, or the result of a proliferation of blood forming cells in the bone marrow (polycythemia vera).

Critically high or low levels should be immediately called to the attention of the patient's nurse or doctor. Transfusion decisions are based on the results of laboratory tests, including the hematocrit. Generally, transfusion is not considered necessary if the hematocrit is above 21%. The hematocrit is also used as a guide to how many transfusions are needed. Each unit of packed red blood cells administered to an adult is expected to increase the hematocrit by approximately 3% to 4%.

Precautions

Fluid volume in the blood affects hematocrit values. Accordingly, the blood sample should not be taken from an arm receiving IV fluid or during hemodialysis. It should be noted that pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, which increases the hematocrit.

In addition, certain drugs such as penicillin and chloramphenicol may decrease the hematocrit, while glucose levels above 400 mg/dL are known to elevate results. Blood for hematocrit may be collected either by finger puncture, or sticking a needle into a vein, called venipuncture. When performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it dilutes the sample with tissue fluid. A nurse or phlebotomist usually collects the sample following cleaning and disinfecting the skin at the site of the needle stick.

Description

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. Conversely, an increase in the number or size of red cells increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia minor is an exception in that it usually causes an increase in the number of red blood cells, but because they are small, it results in a decreased hematocrit.

The hematocrit may be measured manually by centrifugation. A thin capillary tube called a microhematocrit tube is filled with blood and sealed at the bottom. The tube is centrifuged at 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) for five minutes. The RBCs have the greatest weight and are forced to the bottom of the tube. The WBCs and platelets form a thin layer, called the buffy coat, between the RBCs and the plasma, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit. Most commonly, the hematocrit is measured indirectly by an automated blood cell counter. It is important to recognize that different results may be obtained when different measurement principles are used. For example, the microhematocrit tube method will give slightly higher results than the electronic methods when RBCs of abnormal shape are present because more plasma is trapped between the cells.

Aftercare

Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising; warm packs relieve discomfort. Some people feel dizzy or faint after blood has been drawn, and lying down and relaxing for awhile is helpful for these people.

Risks

Other than potential bruising at the puncture site, and/or dizziness, there are no complications associated with this test.

Normal results

Normal values vary with age and sex. Some representative ranges are:

• at birth: 42-60%
• six to 12 months: 33-40%
• adult males: 42-52%
• adult females: 35-47%

Resources

books

Chernecky, Cynthia C. and Barbara J. Berger. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.

Kee, Joyce LeFever. Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Kjeldsberg, Carl R. Practical Diagnosis of Hematologic Disorders. 3rd ed. Chicago: ASCP Press, 2000.

organizations

American Association of Blood Banks. 8101 Glenbrook Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. (301) 907-6977. Fax: (301) 907-6895. <http://www.aabb.org>.

other

Uthman, Ed. Blood Cells and the CBC. 2000 [cited February 17, 2003]. <http://web2.iadfw.net/uthman/blood_cells.html>.

Victoria E. DeMoranville
Mark A. Best

Hematocrit

Definition

The hematocrit measures how much space in the blood is occupied by red blood cells. It is useful when evaluating a person for anemia.

Purpose

Blood is made up of red and white blood cells, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. An increase in the number or size of red cells increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia is a condition which can cause an increased number of red blood cells but a decreased size and hematocrit.

The hematocrit is usually done on a person with symptoms of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis.

Some conditions, such as polycythemia, cause an overproduction of red blood cells, resulting in an increased hematocrit.

Transfusion decisions are based on the results of laboratory tests, including hematocrit. Transfusion is not considered if the hematocrit level is reasonable. The level differs for each person, depending on his or her clinical condition.

Description

Blood drawn from a fingerstick is often used for hematocrit testing. The blood fills a small tube, which is then spun in a small centrifuge. As the tube spins, the red blood cells go to the bottom of the tube, the white blood cells cover the red in a thin layer called the buffy coat, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The spun tube is examined for the line that divides the red cells from the buffy coat and plasma. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit.

The hematocrit test can also be done on an automated instrument as part of a complete blood count. It is also called Packed Red Cell Volume or Packed Cell Volume, or abbreviated as Hct or Crit. The test is covered by insurance when medically necessary. Results are usually available the same or following day.

Preparation

To collect the blood by fingerstick, a healthcare worker punctures a finger with a lancet and allows the blood to fill a small tube held to the puncture site.

Tests done on an automated instrument require 5-7 mL of blood. A healthcare worker ties a tourniquet on the person's upper arm, locates a vein in the inner elbow region, and inserts a needle into that vein. Vacuum action draws the blood through the needle into an attached tube. Collection of the sample takes only a few minutes.

Aftercare

Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site or the person may feel dizzy or faint. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising. Warm packs to the puncture site relieve discomfort.

Normal results

Normal values vary with age and sex. Adult male range is 42-52%, adult female 36-48%.

Abnormal results

Hematocrit values decrease when the size or number of red cells decrease. This is most common in anemia, but other conditions have similar effects: excessive bleeding, damaged cells due to a mechanical heart valve, liver disease, and cancers affecting the bone marrow. Additional tests, and the person's symptoms and medical history help distinguish these conditions or diagnose a specific type of anemia. Hematocrit values increase when the size or number of red cells increase, such as in polycythemia.

Fluid volume in the blood affects the hematocrit. Pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, increasing the hematocrit.

KEY TERMS

Anemia— A condition where a person has fewer or smaller than normal red blood cells.

Hemoglobin— The percentage of space in blood occupied by red blood cells.