The basic method for diagnosing most diseases is chemical analysis of blood . There are established limits of the content of all components of the biological fluid. Finding out what the deviation of actual indicators from the norm means, the doctor can determine the correct diagnosis or direct a person to additional research.
What is hematocrit?
This value refers to the group of tests for blood elements. Hematocrit is the concentration of red cells in its composition, depending on the total volume. Less often, this study is defined as the ratio of all components of the biological fluid ( leukocytes , red blood cells and platelets ) to the available amount of blood. There is almost no difference between the two methods, because 99% of the volume of the biological fluid is red corpuscles.
What is the hematocrit for?
Most patients of any doctor can not independently decipher the results of the research. To understand why hematocrit is important in the analysis of blood, what it is, how much it means and for what it is determined, whether it is elevated or lowered, the study of the formation and functions of red blood cells will help. In the bone marrow, almost 2.5 million red bodies are produced every second. They circulate in the body for about 120 days, providing cells, tissues and organs with oxygen. After performing all of their functions, red blood cells are absorbed by macrophages.
Hematocrit means the concentration of red blood cells. This is one of the main tests in the diagnosis of anemia, but there are other pathologies that cause the deviation of this indicator from the norm, a decrease or increase in the number of red blood cells or the total volume of biological fluid. There are non-dangerous and serious diseases in which the hematocrit is elevated, which means that the treating doctor must find out. To establish a definitive diagnosis, more research will be required.
What is the hematocrit measured?
The units that determine the concentration of red cells depend on the method of its calculation. If the hematocrit in the blood is examined in a simple way, in relation to the total amount of blood, how much it is increased, is measured in percent (%). When the study is conducted with the calculation of the concentration of all the shaped elements of the biological fluid (this means erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets), the indicator in question is designated as a decimal fraction to the nearest hundredth. Units in this case - liter per liter (l / l).
Hematocrit - blood test
The described number is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of some serious diseases, including cancer tumors, anemia, hypoxia, leukemia and other pathologies. A hematocrit in a blood test means a lot to find out whether it is elevated or lowered, it is necessary to know the boundaries of its normal values. They differ depending on the sex and age of the person, the hormonal background in women.
Hematocrit in the blood - the norm
Elevated concentrations of red blood cells are observed in infancy. Hematocrit is normal in newborns at 44-62%. Gradually, the plasma volume increases, which means that the number of red blood cells decreases (measurement in percent):
- 1-3 months - 32-44;
- 4-12 months - 36-44;
- 1-10 years old - 37-44.
Hematocrit is the norm for adults (%):
- men - 44-48;
- women - 36-43.
Separate boundaries are set for future mothers. During gestation, the fetus uses the blood of a woman, which means that as it grows, its need for red blood cells becomes elevated. For this reason, the rates of hematocrit for pregnant women differ slightly from the standard:
- the first trimester - 33-36%;
- 3-6 month of gestation - about 31%;
- the prenatal period is approximately 33%.
Hematocrit is higher than normal, what does it mean?
An increase in the concentration of red blood cells can occur due to physiological (non-dangerous) and pathological (serious) factors. If the hematocrit is increased, then it is necessary to conduct additional studies. A large number of erythrocytes causes a thickening of blood, and excessive viscosity of a biological fluid can lead to blood clots and clogging of blood vessels.
Hematocrit increased - causes
The considered deviation of the blood composition from the norm is not always a health threatening condition. Against the background of some physiological reasons, hematocrit is elevated, which means:
- Hypoxia. Deficiency of oxygen in tissues often arises from smoking.
- Dehydration of the body. The amount of plasma decreases, and the density of blood is increased.
- Stay at altitude. A sharp change in atmospheric pressure affects the amount of red blood cells in a biological fluid.
- Skin burns. The higher the area of the epidermis, the more hematocrit is elevated.
- Prolonged use of certain medicines. An increase in the concentration of erythrocytes causes hormonal drugs, antibiotics, diuretics.
If the indicated problem is due to pathological causes, elevated hematocrit means:
- erythremia;
- kidney neoplasms;
- acute dehydration;
- leukemia;
- peritonitis;
- hydronephrosis of the kidneys ;
- polycystic;
- pulmonary insufficiency;
- heart defects;
- intestinal obstruction;
- arterial thrombosis;
- ischemia of the heart.
Hematocrit is elevated - treatment
There are intensive and basic methods for reducing the concentration of red blood cells in the blood. In the first case, when the hematocrit is greatly elevated, what does this mean and how can the condition be recommended only by a doctor. Treatment is medication with the following drugs:
- Hydroxycarbamide;
- Busulfan;
- Interferon (at elevated dosages);
- Anagrelide;
- radioactive phosphorus and others.
If the hematocrit is higher than normal, it can be reduced by less intensive methods:
- Limit the number of foods rich in iron in the diet.
- Exclude alcoholic beverages and caffeine, which have diuretic properties.
- Use an increased volume of clean water.
- Include in the daily menu of grapefruits.
- Engage in moderate physical activity.
- Refuse to smoke.