Hematocrit
Abbreviation
HCT
Transport Temp
2-8 C (ice packs) or ambient
Stability
Store at 2-8 C up to 24 hours, CBC’s not viable after 24 hours
Minimum Vol
EDTA draw tube at least half full
Alternative Specimens
None
Reference Ranges
- Male: 37.7-53.7%
- Female: 36-44%
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube
Methodology
Calculated: ratio of red blood cells to plasma, expressed as a percentage of the whole blood volume. HCT=(RBC xMCV)/10
Clinical Significance
Decreased-anemia, malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, bleeding, overhydration.Pregnant women may have slightly lower HCT due to extra fluid in the body. Increased-dehydration, low blood oxygen levels, erythrocytosis, polycythemia vera, congenital heart disease.
Anything else included in test?
N/A
Preferred Specimen
Plasma, EDTA