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Hematocrit - Results

Alternative Names

HCT

Normal Values:

Normal results vary, but in general are as follows:

Male: 40.7 - 50.3%
Female: 36.1 - 44.3%

Normal value ranges vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Low hematocrit may be due to:

Anemia
Blood loss (hemorrhage)
Bone marrow failure
Destruction of red blood cells
Leukemia
Malnutrition or specific diet deficiencies
Multiple myeloma
Rheumatoid arthritis

High hematocrit may be due to:

Dehydration
- Burns
- Diarrhea
Erythrocytosis
Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia)
Polycythemia vera

Formed elements of blood

Reviewed last on: 3/2/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.

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