Hematocrit Test. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Hematocrit (HCT) – the ratio of the volume of formed elements (mainly erythrocytes) in blood to plasma. Measured in percentages or relative units.
Hematocrit (HCT) – the ratio of the volume of formed elements (mainly erythrocytes) in blood to plasma. Measured in percentages or relative units.
Normal hematocrit (HCT) values:
- Men – 42-52%;
- Women – 37-47%;
- Newborns – 62%.
Indications for Hematocrit Testing
Measuring this indicator is part of a complete blood count, ordered during clinical or routine patient examinations and check-ups in medical facilities. It is performed to assess the body’s condition in cases of anemic deviations and traumatic blood loss, and to monitor patients in intensive care and resuscitation units.
An increase in this parameter is observed in reactive and tumor erythrocytosis and a reduction in the liquid blood fraction volume. Such deviations accompany erythremia, malignant pathologies, hypoxia of various etiologies, renal tumors, and hydronephrosis. A decrease in hematocrit occurs with dehydration, peritonitis, burns, and the side effects of diuretics.
A reduction in the hematocrit factor accompanies erythrocytopenia, bleeding, erythrocyte hemolysis, and anemias. Such disorders arise from an increased plasma proportion in the bloodstream – in nephrotic syndrome, sepsis, kidney failure, and pregnancy. In critical conditions, the level may drop to 20%.
How Hematocrit Is Calculated
In clinical practice, two main methods for determining hematocrit are most commonly used:
- Centrifugation – blood is drawn into a special graduated capillary (treated with an anticoagulant), then centrifuged at set parameters (speed – rpm, time – minutes). After the procedure, the count is taken based on capillary graduations or using a reference scale.
- Hematology analyzers – after mixing the biomaterial with reagents, the device automatically sums the amplitude impulses obtained from counting red blood cells and displays their volume as the final HCT value.
Hematology analyzers require significantly less time for data processing. However, in cases of pronounced erythrocyte agglutination, the device may misidentify them as leukocytes and exclude them from the count. Thus, in doubtful cases, comprehensive diagnostics using multiple methods are recommended for reliable results.
HCT factor testing is used for rapid screening of certain hematological pathologies and monitoring their treatment dynamics.
Processing Time for Hematocrit Test
The processing time depends on the testing method and the laboratory staff’s qualifications. Centrifugation typically takes 15-50 minutes per sample, while automated processing takes 3-10 minutes.
Modern diagnostic centers equipped with automated hematology systems can minimize result distortions and provide high-speed outcomes.
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