Blood test for B-HCT (Hematocrit, Erythrocyte Volume Fraction)
Hematocrit, also known as erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF), is a measurement of the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. It is typically expressed as a percentage of your total blood volume. Since red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, hematocrit levels can provide valuable insights into overall health and physical condition.
Hematocrit values can vary for several reasons, and both low and high levels may indicate different health conditions or physiological influences. Below is an overview of possible causes of abnormal hematocrit levels.
Low Hematocrit Levels (Anemia)
- Iron deficiency anemia: A common cause of low hematocrit levels is iron deficiency, which affects red blood cell production and reduces hematocrit levels.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can impair red blood cell production, leading to decreased hematocrit levels.
- Folate deficiency: Low folate levels can also negatively impact red blood cell production, contributing to anemia.
- Chronic disease: Certain chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or inflammatory diseases, can reduce red blood cell production and lead to lower hematocrit levels.
High Hematocrit Levels (Polycythemia)
- Dehydration: Low fluid levels in the body can concentrate red blood cells, resulting in an elevated hematocrit.
- Lung diseases: Certain lung diseases can impair oxygen absorption, triggering increased red blood cell production as a compensatory mechanism.
- High-altitude training: Living or training at high altitudes can stimulate red blood cell production in response to lower oxygen levels.
- Chronic heart and lung disease: Some heart and lung conditions may increase red blood cell production to compensate for reduced oxygen transport.
It is recommended to measure hematocrit levels in conjunction with other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of overall blood health.
