Hematocrit (HCT), also called packed cell volume (PCV), is the percentage of your blood made up of red blood cells. It is usually about three times the hemoglobin value.
- Normal range (adults)
- Men 41.5–50.4% · Women 35.9–44.6%
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- HCT, PCV, Packed Cell Volume, Haematocrit, Crit
Hematocrit normal range
| Group | %Same unit in all countries |
|---|---|
| Men | 41.5–50.4 |
| Women | 35.9–44.6 |
Ranges vary slightly between laboratories. The range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the Hematocrit test done?
It is part of the Complete Blood Count and helps confirm anemia, dehydration or an excess of red cells.
What does a high Hematocrit level mean?
A high hematocrit means your blood has a larger share of red cells, making it thicker.
Common causes
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- High altitude
- Lung or heart disease
- Testosterone use
- Polycythemia vera (rare)
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Stop smoking
- Avoid unprescribed iron
What does a low Hematocrit level mean?
A low hematocrit usually means anemia, so less oxygen reaches your tissues.
Common causes
- Iron, B12 or folate deficiency
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
- Long-term illness
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Iron-rich foods with vitamin C
- B12 and folate sources
- Avoid tea and coffee at mealtimes
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if your hematocrit is abnormal along with hemoglobin, or if you have symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness or dizziness.
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This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.