What is the HCT in red blood cells?

The hematocrit (HCT) is the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is measured by spinning down a blood sample in a centrifuge and measuring the volume of red blood cells at the bottom of the tube.

The normal range for HCT in adults is:

* Men: 40% to 54%

* Women: 36% to 48%

HCT can be affected by a number of factors, including:

* Age: HCT tends to decrease with age.

* Sex: Men typically have higher HCT than women.

* Race: African Americans typically have higher HCT than Caucasians.

* Altitude: People who live at high altitudes tend to have higher HCT.

* Pregnancy: HCT decreases during pregnancy.

* Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as anemia, leukemia, and sickle cell disease, can affect HCT.

A high HCT may indicate a condition that is causing the body to produce too many red blood cells. A low HCT may indicate a condition that is destroying red blood cells or preventing the body from producing enough red blood cells.

HCT is a routine part of a complete blood count (CBC). It is a valuable tool for evaluating a person's overall health and diagnosing certain medical conditions.