Hematocrit
Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that consists of red blood cells. It is closely related to hemoglobin and generally moves in the same direction, but hematocrit is more sensitive to hydration status.
Dehydration concentrates blood cells, falsely elevating hematocrit. Overhydration or IV fluid administration dilutes the blood, lowering hematocrit. This makes hematocrit less reliable than hemoglobin for assessing anemia in settings where fluid balance is abnormal.
Hematocrit is used alongside hemoglobin and RBC count to confirm anemia, and it is an essential input for calculating MCV (hematocrit / RBC count).
What It Measures
Percentage of whole blood volume occupied by packed red blood cells after centrifugation.
Reference Ranges
| Status | Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Optimal | 40–50% (men), 36–44% (women) |
| Normal | 38.3–48.6% (men), 35.5–44.9% (women) |
| Borderline | 35–38% (men), 32–35% (women) |
| Out of Range | < 35% (men), < 32% (women) |
How GATOR Tracks This
Lab Providers
Related Biomarkers
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results and treatment decisions.
Track Hematocrit in GATOR
Import your lab results and see how this biomarker trends over time with AI-powered context.
Get Started Free