hematocrit

(noun)

This is the amount of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.

Related Terms

Examples of hematocrit in the following topics:

  • Diagnostic Blood Tests

    • These tests include: complete blood count, hematocrit (mean corpuscular volume), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), cross-matching (to determine blood type for transfusion or transplant), and blood cultures (done if infection is suspected).

  • Adjustments at High Altitude

    • Blood volume decreases, which also increases the hematocrit, which is the concentration of hemoglobin in blood.

  • Components of Blood

    • The ratio of RBCs to blood plasma is referred to as the hematocrit, and is normally about 45%.

  • Transfusions of Whole Blood

    • This provides a final product with a very specific hematocrit (percentage of red cells) with type O red cells and type AB plasma to minimize the chance of complications.