What is HCT use for in blood work?

The HCT (hematocrit) is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, including anemia, polycythemia, and dehydration.

The HCT is also used to calculate other blood test results, such as the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).

A high HCT may be a sign of polycythemia, a condition in which the body produces too many red blood cells. Polycythemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, high altitude living, and smoking.

A low HCT may be a sign of anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic diseases.

The HCT is a simple and inexpensive blood test that can provide valuable information about a person's health. It is often performed as part of a routine physical examination.