

When so assayed, it is subject to the vagaries inherent in obtaining an accurate measurement of the MCV (see Chapter 152).īoth the hemoglobin and the hematocrit are based on whole blood and are therefore dependent on plasma volume. Automated cell counters calculate the hematocrit by multiplying the red cell number (in millions/mm 3) by the mean cell volume (MCV, in femtoliters). This value can be determined directly by microhematocrit centrifugation or calculated indirectly. The normal hematocrit for men is 40 to 54% for women it is 36 to 48%. The hematocrit measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume (red blood cells and plasma). An erythrocytosis is the consequence of too many red cells this results in hemoglobin levels above normal. When the hemoglobin level is low, the patient has anemia. The normal Hb level for males is 14 to 18 g/dl that for females is 12 to 16 g/dl. The amount of hemoglobin in whole blood is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dl). To ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, a sufficient hemoglobin level must be maintained. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells.Hemoglobin (Hb) is the protein contained in red blood cells that is responsible for delivery of oxygen to the tissues. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. What causes a high red blood cell count?ġ Smoking cigarettes 2 Living at a high altitude 3 Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids (for example, synthetic testosterone) or erythropoietin What does it mean when hematocrit is higher than normal? High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera.

Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Interestingly, it isn’t an inherited condition, What does high hematocrit mean in polycythemia vera? This kind of increased level of red blood cells is known as primary polycythemia or polycythemia vera. Genetic Mutation: Polycythemia Vera For some people, the high hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are due to a genetic mutation.

What causes high hemoglobin and hematocrit in blood?
Causes for low hematocrit and hemoglobin but normal rbc professional#
In a procedure called a phlebotomy, a health professional inserts a needle into your vein and drains blood through a tube into a bag or container. How is a high hemoglobin count treated? If a medical condition is causing high hemoglobin levels, your doctor may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. What is the treatment for high hemoglobin? It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? It is a serious lifelong condition that can be fatal if it is not treated. This can lead to clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It causes the body to make too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual.

High hemoglobin levels could be indicative of the rare blood disease, polycythemia.
