Hematocrit And Hemoglobin - Red Cross Blood Donation

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What Does Hematocrit Mean?

Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of red cells in your blood. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, suspended in plasma. Together, those comprise about 45% of the volume of our blood, but the specific percentages of each can vary.

What Is a Hematocrit Level?

Hematocrit level is simply the percentage of red cells in your blood. For example, a level of 38% is considered the minimum needed for donating blood.

What Is Normal Hematocrit?

Normal hematocrit levels vary based on age and race.. In adults, normal levels for men range from 41%-50%. For women, the normal range is slightly lower: 36%-44%. A hematocrit level below the normal range, meaning the person has too few red blood cells, is called anemia. A hematocrit level above the normal range, meaning too many red blood cells, may indicate polycythemia or erythrocytosis.

Why Should You Test Hematocrit Levels?

Your doctor may test your hematocrit levels if you show signs of having anemia, polycythemia or erythrocytosis. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Symptoms of polycythemia include fatigue, itching, headaches, and sweating. Symptoms of erythrocytosis includes headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.

What Is the Difference Between Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

Hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements are both blood tests but they are not testing the same thing.

Hematocrit

• Hematocrit is the percentage of red cells in your blood. 
• Normal levels of hematocrit for men range from 41% to 50%. 
• Normal level for women is 36% to 48%.  

Hemoglobin

• Hemoglobin enables red cells to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout your body. 
• Normal hemoglobin for men ranges from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL. 
• Normal range for women is 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL. 

Hemoglobin is checked before each blood donation. This is to ensure that the donor has adequate red blood cell levels to donate blood. Blood donors must have a minimum of 12.5 g/dL hemoglobin but no greater than 20 g/dL. (There are separate requirements for the red cell-only donation known as Power Red.)

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Why Donations Are So Important

Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds. Blood donations can help trauma patients, cancer patients, people with chronic illnesses, and more.

Learn More About Blood Components

Platelets

Plasma

Red Blood Cells

Cryoprecipitate

Whole Blood

Hematocrit

White Blood Cells