Anemia and hematocrit are linked through red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A complete blood count test measures both levels to diagnose anemia, which can have various causes. Hematocrit levels vary by age and gender, and low levels result in low hemoglobin and oxygen transport.
The connection between anemia and hematocrit lies in the red blood cell count and hemoglobin. Hematocrit is the level of red blood cells contained within a blood sample, expressed as a percentage. Comparatively, a low red blood cell count indicates anemia, which results in low levels of hemoglobin in the bloodstream.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in all red blood cells, making up about 35% of each cell. Such proteins are responsible for transporting oxygen from the respiratory system to other body organs and systems. If the hematocrit, or concentration of red blood cells, is low, the body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin available to carry oxygen properly, resulting in anemia. As such, hemoglobin is a primary linking factor between anemia and hematocrit.
When testing for anemia in humans, medical professionals use a test known as a complete blood count (CBC) which takes a sample of the patient’s blood and measures the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Using a CBC test, medical professionals can determine the percentage of red blood cells in the body, as well as the concentration of hemoglobin within those red blood cells. A combination of low hematocrit and low hemoglobin results in a diagnosis of anemia.
The blood count test for anemia and hematocrit abnormalities is the same for all patients. What constitutes a low hematocrit and subsequent anemic diagnosis, however, varies by gender and age. For example, newborns have a normal hematocrit range of 55-68%, regardless of gender. Alternatively, adult women who have gone through puberty have a normal hematocrit level of between 38% and 46%, with 40% considered average. Adult male patients, on average, have a normal hematocrit of around 45%.
To further understand CBC test results for hemoglobin, anemia, and hematocrit, you need to understand the process. Results are determined by centrifuging a blood sample to separate the blood into layers; red blood cells pack in one layer, while white blood cells pack in another. By analyzing the size of each layer relative to the whole, lab technicians can determine the approximate concentration of red blood cells. Further tests estimate the approximate size of each red blood cell to determine the hemoglobin level and whether a diagnosis of anemia is warranted.
The causes of anemia vary widely and can include injury, kidney disease, malnutrition, arthritis, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy. While anemia and hematocrit are interconnected in terms of diagnosis, hematocrit and hemoglobin tests cannot determine the exact cause of anemia. Instead, once the presence of anemia is determined through CBC testing, medical professionals must investigate further to determine the specific cause of the condition.
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