Why is this procedure done?
A hematocrit test measures the percent of your blood that contains red blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to your lungs. This test is among the first tests ordered by the doctor to learn more about the condition of a patient. ‚
Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Check for a low blood count or anemia
- See if you have a high blood count or polycythemia
- Look for deficiencies in your diet
- Learn more about other illnesses like leukemia
- Monitor your response to drug treatments
- Check for internal bleeding
- Go along with other tests like a hemoglobin test or complete blood count
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it is likely that you do not have an illness that affects the blood cells.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem that is causing you to have too many or too few red blood cells.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test. You may find it convenient to wear a short sleeved shirt on the day of your test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking, including all herbal and over-the-counter or OTC medications
- Any bleeding problems.
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
- Instead of using a needle, the staff may prick your finger and smear some blood on a slide or collect it in a small tube. In babies, the heel is pricked instead of the finger.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your hematocrit. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hematocrit/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚