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Know Everything About HCT in a Blood Test

Most of the cells in the human body are red blood cells. Hence, it is very important to keep the RBC levels in check to avoid possible medical disorders. Haematocrit test in a blood test is one of the ways to measure the number of red blood cells in an individual's blood sample.

Continue reading this article to learn what haematocrit is in a blood test.

What Is HCT in a Blood Test?

The Haematocrit test or HCT in blood test is a test that measures the amount of red blood cells in an individual’s blood. Erythrocytes or red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the human body. Both high and low red blood cell counts can lead to chronic diseases or several medical conditions. The HCT is also known as PCV or Packed-cell Volume test.

What Are the Uses of the HCT Test?

An HCT test is generally a part of the CBC or complete blood count, which measures the different components in a blood sample. Haematocrit test helps medical professionals diagnose several blood-related disorders, such as polycythaemia vera or anaemia.

When to Test for HCT in Blood Test?

Doctors might suggest an HCT test if you have symptoms of anaemia or polycythaemia vera. Symptoms of anaemia include:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Cold feet and hands
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Pale skin

Symptoms of polycythaemia vera are as follows:

  • Double or blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itching
  • Tiredness
  • Flushed skin
  • Excessive sweating

How to Prepare for a Haematocrit Blood Test?

As this test is usually done with the complete blood count test, no special preparation is required before this test. The physician will conduct the HCT test in his or her clinic and refer you to a lab for the testing.

During the test, a lab technician will clean the area and draw blood from it. It is generally done on the arm. After the blood draw, the lab technician will cover the area with a gauge and put on a bandage.

What Are the 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 years 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

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Moreover, this range also depends on the altitude they live in. 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%

What Does It Mean if Your HCT Is High or Low?

If the HCT in blood is higher than the normal value, it indicates:

  • Dehydration
  • Diseases like polycythaemia vera
  • Heart or lung diseases

However, if the HCT value is lower than normal, it means:

  • Inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells
  • Considerably high amounts of white blood cells because of infections, leukaemia, lymphoma or long-term illness
  • Mineral or vitamin deficiency
  • Long-term loss of blood

How to Increase HCT Level?

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

1. Consuming Supplements or Food That Increases Iron Levels, Such as:

  • 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

2. Consuming Foods Rich in Vitamin C, Such as:

  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cantaloupe
  • Kiwi
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

3. Consuming foods rich in copper, such as:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Cashews
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Walnuts
  • Tempeh

4. Medical Treatments Which Increase the HCT Levels:

  • Blood transfusion
  • Norepinephrine
  • Erythropoietin treatment
  • Testosterone therapy

5. 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.

How to Decrease the HCT Level?

The HCT level in the blood can be decreased by the following ways:

1. 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

2. Bringing in Lifestyle Changes

  • Exercising regularly
  • Donet blood four times in 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to treat low HCT levels?

Individuals with low HCT levels might require transfusions, medications or intravenous iron to enhance the production of RBCs.

What is a good HCT level?

Normal HCT levels for men can range from 41% to 50%, and that for women can be slightly lower than 36% to 44%.