What is Hemoticit?

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. It is an important indicator of overall health, as it can provide information about conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and certain types of cancer.

Hematocrit is measured by taking a sample of blood and centrifuging it to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. The percentage of red blood cells in the sample is then calculated and reported as the hematocrit.

Normal hematocrit levels vary depending on age, sex, and altitude. For adults, the normal range is typically between 40% and 52% for men and 36% and 48% for women. Children have lower hematocrit levels than adults, and they typically increase as children get older.

Low hematocrit levels (anemia) can be caused by a number of factors, including:

* Iron deficiency

* Vitamin B12 deficiency

* Folate deficiency

* Leukemia

* Lymphoma

* Kidney disease

* Thyroid disease

High hematocrit levels (polycythemia) can be caused by a number of factors, including:

* Dehydration

* Lung disease

* Heart disease

* Kidney disease

* Certain types of cancer

Hematocrit levels are also affected by exercise. Exercise can increase hematocrit levels temporarily, as the body produces more red blood cells to meet the increased oxygen demands of the muscles.

If you have any concerns about your hematocrit levels, talk to your doctor. They can order tests to determine the cause of any abnormal results and recommend the appropriate treatment.