A low Hematocrit (HCT) generally indicates anemia, meaning a person has too few red blood cells.
Understanding Hematocrit (HCT)
Hematocrit (HCT) is a measurement of the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. It's a vital part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps doctors evaluate your overall health.
Normal HCT Ranges
According to reference information, normal HCT levels vary depending on sex:
| Sex | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 41%-50% |
| Women | 36%-44% |
Low HCT and Anemia
A hematocrit level below the normal range suggests that you have a lower-than-normal proportion of red blood cells. This condition is commonly referred to as anemia. Various factors can cause anemia, and further investigation is usually needed to determine the underlying cause.
