Hematocrit

Clinicians order hematocrit to assess red blood cell levels and oxygen-carrying capacity. It helps evaluate fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or suspected dehydration, and is part of routine checkups and pre-surgery screens. Results can guide next steps, like reviewing hemoglobin, red cell indices, and iron studies. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

Clinicians order hematocrit to assess red blood cell levels and oxygen-carrying capacity. It helps evaluate fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or suspected dehydration, and is part of routine checkups and pre-surgery screens. Results can guide next steps, like reviewing hemoglobin, red cell indices, and iron studies. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

High: May reflect dehydration, living at high altitude, smoking, or increased red cell production. Recheck when well hydrated and discuss context with your clinician.
Low: May suggest anemia from blood loss, nutrient gaps (like iron), chronic illness, or pregnancy. Pair with hemoglobin, MCV, and iron studies to clarify causes. Tracking trends over time helps show whether changes are persistent or situational.

Common factors that can skew hematocrit include dehydration or overhydration, recent IV fluids or blood donation, strenuous exercise, smoking, living at high altitude, pregnancy, and acute illness. Some medicines and supplements can shift values, such as diuretics, testosterone or other hormones, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Special situations: confirm or adjust interpretation if you are pregnant, recently transfused or bled, live at high altitude, or are acutely unwell.