Hematocrit (Hct) Lab Values

Overview Hematocrit Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in lab results Decreased HCT levels Nursing Points General Normal value range HCT measured in percentage Males – 41-50% Females – 36-44% Pathophysiology Measurement of total pRBCs compared to rest of blood volume Helps to indicate anemia Often measured with HGB (hemoglobin) Special considerations Lavender top tube (EDTA) Be cautious with technique Do not force sample into tube Can cause hemolysis Alters results Causes of HCT elevation Dehydration Change in % compared to total blood volume Respiratory disease COPD Pulmonary fibrosis Increased need for oxygen -> increased need for RBC production Polycythemia vera RBC overproduction due to bone marrow cancer Treatment includes bloodletting and increasing water consumption (also some medications) Causes of decreased HCT Blood loss Trauma Hemorrhage Treatment Stop bleeding Transfuse blood Anemia Kidney disease Decrease in EPO production Treatment Supplement with EPO Pregnancy Relative to increase total blood volume Leukemia Decreased bone marrow production causes ↓ RBC Treat leukemia via oncology pathways Chemotherapy Radiation Bone marrow transplant Assessment Assess for signs of anemia Tachycardia Fatigue Shortness of breath Decreased SaO2 Pallor Therapeutic Management Blood transfusions as necessary Treat primary cause of anemia Use oncologic methods to treat leukemia Bloodletting (phlebotomy) for polycythemia patients Nursing Concepts Lab Values Oxygenation