What is Hct (Hematocrit)? Hct Impairment

After applying to health institutions, a complete blood count (hemogram) test may be requested by the physician to determine the patient's blood values. The complete blood count test examines the number and distribution of cells in the bloodstream. Because it is inexpensive and has diagnostic value for various disorders, the complete blood count test is one of the most frequently used tests in routine health examinations. There are basically 3 types of cell classes in the blood circulation.

What is HCT in the blood?

Platelets (platelets) are cells that take part in coagulation to prevent blood from leaking out of the vessel in case of damage to the vessel wall. . Changes in the level of these cells can be interpreted as a predisposition to bleeding or clot formation in the person.
White blood cells fight microorganisms and viruses that have the potential to cause disease in the body. Changes in the number and distribution of white blood cells as a result of hemogram are important because they may indicate infection, inflammation or various types of cancer in the body. gets. A complete blood count test can detect the number, percentage, size, or amount of hemoglobin they contain of red blood cells.
Hematocrit (Hct) is a parameter that expresses the percentage of red blood cells in the blood circulation. A small amount of blood sample is taken from the person for the analysis to be carried out to determine the Hct value. Sampling can be performed from the veins (veins) in the fingertip or arm region. Making a tourniquet over this area results in the veins becoming more prominent. With the help of a needle, the vein is entered and the blood is transferred to the tube where the sample will be carried.
The blood taken into the tube for examination is centrifuged before the hematocrit measurement. During centrifugation, anticoagulant substances are added in order to prevent the blood in the tube from clotting.
This The laboratory instrument that performs the process rotates the blood in the tube rapidly in a circular manner and ensures that the cells and substances in its content are collected in separate dishes. Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma form the layers that are separated from the bottom to the top.

The mean volume of red blood cells is expressed as the MCV parameter in the complete blood count test. MCV increases from childhood to adulthood and the normal range of values ​​for MCV in adults is considered to be between 80 and 100 femtoliters.

For detailed information about MCV, “What is MCV?”

What is Hemogram Hct?

The value calculated by multiplying the person's MCV value with the RBC (red blood cell) value and dividing by 10 is called Hct.

What are the Normal Value Ranges for Hematocrit (Hct)?

The normal range of values ​​for the hematocrit result varies according to the age, gender of the person, the health institution where the test is performed or the laboratory where the blood sample is studied.
At the same time, there are various conditions that can affect the hematocrit result. Care should be taken as the hematocrit value may not reflect the real value of the person in cases such as living in areas with high altitude, pregnancy, recent situations resulting in blood loss, recent blood transfusion or severe dehydration (fluid loss). The reason why the value is determined different from the normal value of the person is a result of the change in the volume of fluid in the body in these cases. In high altitude regions, the underlying reason for the change in the hematocrit value is due to the decrease in the amount of oxygen in the air as the altitude increases. :

• Hct in Men, 38-48%
• Hct in Women, 35-45%
• Hct in Newborns, 45-61%
• Hct in Infancy, %32-42%

Detection of this parameter below the normal value range in the hemogram test constitutes an answer to the question of what is low Hct.

Both What are the Conditions Associated with Low Atocrit?

Hematocrit is one of many parameters in the blood analysis. Whether this value indicates any discomfort in the person can be decided by considering the physical examination of the person, his complaints and the relationship of the hematocrit value with the other values ​​in the complete blood count test.

Anemia is one of the disorders with low Hct. Anemia may occur if the production or life span of red blood cells is adversely affected due to various reasons:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency or a problem with its absorption
• Folic acid deficiency
• Genetic blood diseases such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia
• Conditions in which red blood cells are destroyed rapidly (hemolytic anemia)
• Chronic (long-term) diseases
• Blood losses

The low number of red blood cells responsible for the transport of respiratory gases may present with various symptoms in people:

• Drowsiness, weakness
• Headache
• Pain and burning on the tongue
• Pale skin
• Palpitations

In addition to anemia, bone marrow disorders such as leukemia, kidney failure and thyroid The hematocrit value can also be detected as lower than normal in gland diseases.

What are the Conditions Associated with High Hematocrit?

In Polycythemia vera disease, which is a rare blood cancer, the body loses an excessive amount of red blood cells in the bone marrow. produces. An abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells causes the blood to be denser and less fluid. Slowing blood flow is a condition that should be considered because it may increase the susceptibility to the formation of intravascular clots that can result in life-threatening events.

Difficulty breathing when lying down

Involuntary weight loss

Abdominal pain

Early satiation at meals

Visibility problems

Drowsiness

Excessive sweating

The course of the disease gets worse as the disease progresses. The density of red blood cells More serious symptoms may occur due to increased blood pressure:

• Excessive bleeding even with minor injuries
• Joint swelling
• Bone pains
• Your face is redder coloration
• Burning sensation in hands and feet

There is currently no method that can completely cure and eliminate polycythemia vera, but it is under control for a long time with various medications and treatment plans. Hct value can be detected as above normal in congenital (present at birth) heart diseases other than polycythemia vera. Congenital heart diseases can usually be detected during ultrasonography examinations during pregnancy. Infectious diseases experienced by expectant mothers during the first 3 months of pregnancy is another condition that may affect the baby's heart in the future.

Purple, dark lips, skin and fingers

Difficulties with breathing

Nutrition problems

Growth retardation

The treatment of congenital heart diseases may vary according to the type and severity of the problem in question. While the problems in some patients can self-repair over time, some congenital heart diseases may require urgent intervention for repair. Apart from these diseases, the hematocrit value may be determined as above the normal value range due to kidney tumors and lung disorders. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.

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