Why measure?
Together with hemoglobin, hematocrit specifies the type of anemia and the degree of blood loss; in surgical patients it monitors volume replenishment, in smokers and residents of high mountains it detects thickening (risk of thrombosis), in case of vomiting/diarrhea - the degree of dehydration. The value is included in the UAC, but a separate test is convenient for frequent monitoring.
When is it appointed?
- prevention and medical examination - basic health assessment;
- inflammation, infections, temperature - leukocytes and ESR;
- weakness, pallor - exclusion of anemia;
- preparation for operations and procedures;
- control of treatment over time.
Basic trio of blood
General clinical tests answer the doctor’s first questions: is there anemia (hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit), inflammation (white blood cells with formula, ESR), risk of bleeding (platelets, clotting time). The automatic analyzer counts dozens of parameters from one test tube; deviations are rechecked by smear microscopy by a laboratory technician. Same day results allow you to start treatment without delay.
