About Hematocrit
Hematocrit is the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It is a key indicator of the blood's capacity to carry oxygen and is used to assess overall blood health and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
38.0 - 50.0 %
Women's Optimal Range
35.0 - 45.0 %
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate dehydration, polycythemia vera, or heart disease, leading to increased blood viscosity and risk of clots.
Low
Low levels may be associated with anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic diseases, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and a ruddy complexion.
Low
Can include weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- McMullin, M. F., Bareford, D., Campbell, P., Green, A. R., Harrison, C., Hunt, B., Oscier, D., Polkey, M. I., Reilly, J. T., Rosenthal, E., & Wilkins, B. (2019). Guidelines for the diagnosis, investigation, and management of polycythaemia/erythrocytosis. *British Journal of Haematology*, 184(2), 176–191.
- Barbui, T., Masciulli, A., Marfisi, M. R., Tognoni, G., & Marchioli, R. (2018). White blood cell counts and thrombosis in polycythemia vera: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Blood Advances*, 2(4), 317–322.
- Marchioli, R., Finazzi, G., Specchia, G., Cacciola, R., Cavazzina, R., Cilloni, D., De Stefano, V., Elli, E., Iurlo, A., Latagliata, R., Lunghi, M., Lunghi, F., Marfisi, R., Musto, P., Petti, M. C., Pogliani, E. M., Randi, M. L., Ruggeri, M., Rumi, E., ... Barbui, T. (2013). Cardiovascular events and intensity of treatment in polycythemia vera. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 368(1), 22–33.
- Tefferi, A., & Barbui, T. (2019). Polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia: 2019 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. *American Journal of Hematology*, 94(1), 133–143.
- Spivak, J. L. (2019). Polycythemia vera. *Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America*, 33(3), 373–386.