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What is HCT(Hematocrit) in a Blood Test?

What is HCT in a Blood Test?

Why is a HCT Test Necessary?

When Should I Get the HCT Test?

What is the Procedure for the HCT Test?

How to Prepare for a Haematocrit Blood Test?

How is HCT Measured in Blood Tests?

When to Test for HCT in Blood Test?

Normal Values for HCT in Blood Tests

The normal values for HCT in blood tests depend on several factors, such as sex, age, altitude where an individual resides, pregnancy, and also on different testing methods. The table illustrated below shows the normal HCT values based on their ages:

Age of an Individual Normal HCT Ranges
New-borns 55% to 68%
One Week After Birth 47% to 65%
One Month After Birth 30% to 36%
One Year After Birth 29% to 41%
Ten-Year-Old Child 36% to 40%
Adult Males 42% to 54%
Adult Females 38% to 46%
Adult Pregnant Women Around 30% to 40% lower limit, 46% upper limit

Moreover, this range also depends on the altitude in which they live. The normal HCT values are generally higher as the altitude increases. This is because the red blood cells require more oxygen at higher altitudes. The table below shows the normal HCT levels for males and females at higher altitudes:

Gender Normal HCT Ranges
Males at high altitude 45% to 61%
Females at high altitude 41% to 56%

Symptoms of High HCT

High Hematocrit (HCT) levels can indicate an overproduction of red blood cells, leading to various symptoms. Recognising these symptoms is crucial for diagnosing and managing polycythemia vera or dehydration.

Symptoms Description
Headaches Persistent or severe headaches can occur due to increased blood viscosity and pressure.
Dizziness Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can result from impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Flushed Skin Red or flushed skin may indicate increased red blood cell concentration and poor circulation.
Shortness of Breath Difficulty breathing may occur as thickened blood impairs oxygen transport to tissues.
Fatigue Unusual tiredness or fatigue can be due to the body struggling with higher blood viscosity.

What If HCT in the Blood is High?

How to Increase HCT Level?

Individuals with low HCT levels should consult their doctor to learn the cause of their condition and the treatment for the underlying conditions. Further, there are some additional lifestyle changes that can help you increase your HCT levels. These include:

Category Items
Consuming Supplements or Food That Increases Iron Levels
  • Almonds
  • Beans
  • Artichokes
  • Fermented Foods
  • Dried Fruits
  • Shellfish and Fish
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Leafy, Green Vegetables
    Lentils
  • Iron-Fortified Foods
  • Molasses
  • Millet
  • Pomegranate Juice
  • Prune Juice
  • Tofu or Soybean
  • Pumpkin Seeds
Consuming Foods Rich in Vitamin C
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cantaloupe
  • Kiwi
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
Consuming foods rich in copper
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Cashews
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Walnuts
  • Tempeh
Medical Treatments Which Increase the HCT Levels
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Norepinephrine
  • Erythropoietin Treatment
  • Testosterone Therapy
Drugs That Help Increase the HCT Levels
  • Dogmatil
  • Polyethylene Glycol
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors
  • Tongkat Ali
  • SteroidsTranexamic Acid

Note: Make sure to consult your doctor before consuming the above-mentioned drugs.

Causes of High HCT

Symptoms of Low HCT

Low Hematocrit (HCT) levels indicate a reduced percentage of red blood cells in the blood, which can impair oxygen delivery to tissues. Recognizing symptoms of low HCT is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as anaemia.

Symptoms Description
Fatigue Persistent tiredness and weakness due to insufficient oxygen reaching tissues.
Paleness Pale skin and mucous membranes result from reduced red blood cell count.
Shortness of Breath Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially with exertion, due to low oxygen levels.
Dizziness Lightheadedness or feeling faint, often caused by decreased blood flow to the brain.
Cold Hands and Feet Feeling cold in extremities due to poor circulation and reduced red blood cell count.

What If HCT in the Blood is Low?

How to Decrease the HCT Level?

An increased HCT level is not good for an individual’s health and thus needs to be decreased. The HCT level in the blood can be decreased in the following ways:

Category Items
Modifying the Daily Diet
  • Avoid consuming iron supplements
  • Drink more water
  • Avoid drinking caffeine and alcoholic drinks
  • Add grapefruit to your daily diet
  • Consume more antioxidants
Bringing in Lifestyle Changes
  • Exercising regularly
  • Donate blood four times a year
  • Avoid going to high-altitude regions
  • Quit smoking

Now that you know what HCT in a blood test means, opt for this test if you encounter any symptoms of blood-related diseases, such as polycythaemia vera or anaemia.

Causes of Low HCT

What Are the Uses of the HCT Test?

Other Factors that Influence HCT Levels

FAQs about HCT in Blood Tests