The hematocrit test , also known as the packed cell volume test or PCV, is a simple but essential component of blood tests. It provides crucial information about your health and can be used to monitor various health conditions like polycythaemia, dehydration, or anemia. But what exactly is the hematocrit test, and why is it so important? Read on to learn more about the test and understand its significance in health monitoring.

What is a hematocrit test?
A type of blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total volume of blood. The red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, measuring hematocrit levels can give an insight into a person’s overall health and risk of developing certain health conditions.

As part of the test, a healthcare provider takes the blood from your arm intravenously. The blood sample will finally be sent to a laboratory for analysis as soon as it is collected in a tube. A hematocrit level is determined by comparing and analyzing the volume of red blood cells with the total blood volume.

Normal range of hematocrit levels
Hematocrit levels can vary based on age, sex, and overall health. Normal hematocrit levels for males range from 41% to 50%, while for females, they range from 36% to 44%. Hematocrit levels in infants typically range between 32% and 42%, whereas newborns’ levels are higher, ranging between 45% and 61%. Knowing the hematocrit level can help doctors determine if anyone has any underlying health conditions that require further evaluation.

What are the effects when the hematocrit level is high?
High hematocrit levels can have several adverse effects on your health.

• Obstructive sleep apnea
  When there’s an increase in the red blood cell count in the body, the blood thickens, making it difficult to flow through your blood vessels. This may cause you to experience obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing disorder during sleep.
• Heart disease
  A high hematocrit level increases your risk of developing heart disease. It can be a heart attack or a stroke. This is because thickened blood requires your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
• Scarring of the lungs
  If the thickened blood vessels supply blood to your lungs, it can cause scarring. This state can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic coughing.
• Dehydration
  Dehydration may lead to high hematocrit levels since low plasma levels increase the ratio of red blood cells to blood volume.

What are the effects when the hematocrit level is low?
When the hematocrit level is low, it can indicate several health conditions and potential complications.

• Leukemia
  Low hematocrit levels may be associated with certain types of leukemia, a type of cancer that discharges red blood cell production.
• Thyroid disease
  Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), can lead to low hematocrit levels.
• Kidney disease
  Hematocrit levels can be lowered due to anemia, a complication related to chronic kidney disease.
• Hemolytic anemia
  In this condition, red blood cells are damaged faster than they are produced, resulting in a low hematocrit level.

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan. It is important to note that high and low hematocrit levels can have various causes.