Hematocrit test...what does it reveal about red blood cells?

The hematocrit test measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume, which are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Other components of blood include: white blood cells, which help fight infections and diseases, platelets, which help form blood clots to stop bleeding, and a fluid known as plasma.

The Medlineplus website of the National Library of Medicine in America stated that hematocrit levels, whether very high or very low, indicate the presence of a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions that affect the blood. Sometimes, a specialist doctor may request a hematocrit test to measure the percentage of red blood cells, as part of periodic examinations, or to monitor the health condition if the person is receiving treatment for cancer or suffers from a health condition or chronic disease.

The doctor may also order this test if the person has symptoms that indicate a disorder in the red blood cells, such as anemia or polycythemia. Depending on the location, symptoms of anemia may include the following: Symptoms of erythrocytosis may include the following: It should be noted that normal hematocrit levels vary based on gender, age, whether the person is a smoker or not, and whether he lives at an area high above sea level.

A hematocrit level lower than normal may indicate: A hematocrit level higher than normal may indicate: