If a patient is severely dehydrated, the hemoglobin and hematocrit will appear higher than if the patient were normovolemic if the patient is fluid overloaded, they will be lower than their actual level. When so assayed, it is subject to the vagaries inherent in obtaining an accurate measurement of the MCV (see Chapter 152).īoth the hemoglobin and the hematocrit are based on whole blood and are therefore dependent on plasma volume. Automated cell counters calculate the hematocrit by multiplying the red cell number (in millions/mm 3) by the mean cell volume (MCV, in femtoliters). This value can be determined directly by microhematocrit centrifugation or calculated indirectly. The normal hematocrit for men is 40 to 54% for women it is 36 to 48%. The hematocrit measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume (red blood cells and plasma). An erythrocytosis is the consequence of too many red cells this results in hemoglobin levels above normal. When the hemoglobin level is low, the patient has anemia. The normal Hb level for males is 14 to 18 g/dl that for females is 12 to 16 g/dl. The amount of hemoglobin in whole blood is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dl). To ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, a sufficient hemoglobin level must be maintained. Hemoglobin (Hb) is the protein contained in red blood cells that is responsible for delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
