Haematocrit slightly low, haemoglobin normal. ?

[Rachelthepotter]

Hi. I had my bloods done by my GP before I go to a consultant appointment tomorrow, Monday 14 th, at the Marsden In Sutton.

I noticed that my haemolglobin was in normal range at 120g/L ( range 115- 165) but the haematocrit from the same blood sample was below range ( only just) 0.369 ratio ( 0.37-0.47).

Anyone any idea why the two measures aren’t going in step?

Rachel

[jointpain]

I think it basically is in step, the only thing that may make a difference is how hydrated you are, if too hydrated it will lower your haematocrit, if dehydrated it will raise your haematocrit. The number of white cells can make a little difference.

[Rachelthepotter in reply to jointpain]

Thank you, jointpain: makes sense.

[hunter5582]

That actually does sound in step as jointpain indicates. Generally speaking, HCT = 3xHGB, with HGB expressed as 12.0 - 3x12.0 would be expected to correlate to approximately HCT= 36ish. Note that HCT = the % of total blood volume comprised of RBCs. About 1% is the buffy coat (PLTs and WBCs) while the rest in plasma volume. Plasma volume can vary based on various factors, including hydration.

[Rachelthepotter in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks, Hunter. Makes sense. So it looks as if normal. Will make sure i continue to be well hydrated thus morning. Hosp takes its own sample.

Rachel

[Wyebird in reply to hunter5582]

Wow thanks for that.

[Wyebird]

Mine measures around 32 and haemoglobin 103-115 so I would say there is nothing to worry about. Query it with your consultant though.

[Rachelthepotter in reply to Wyebird]

It was the fact that the haematocrit had bern flagged as low but the HgB hadn’t that made me wonder.

[ainslie]

I don’t think it’s a problem , mine are rarely in step and no Haem I’ve ever seen has even mentioned. My Hgb is around 150 and Hct 41.