What is Hematocrit?

If you are reading this, chances are you don’t know what hematocrit is yet (or even how to pronounce it). You’re not alone. Hematocrit [huh-ma-tuh-krit] is the amount of red blood cells in your blood. Hematocrit test results, or hematocrit levels, are given as a percentage of the total volume of your blood. This is related to hemoglobin, which is measured every time you donate blood.

Hemoglobin vs. Hematocrit

Your hematocrit level is important because having too many or too few red blood cells can cause health problems. You also need to have the right amount of hemoglobin within your red blood cells. Hemoglobin delivers oxygen to your organs and tissues and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be expelled.

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Normal hemoglobin range for adult males is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL); for adult females it is 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL.

Females need at least 12.5 g/dL to safely donate blood, males need 13.0 g/dL. For the automated donation known as Power Red, where two units of red cells are donated as opposed to one, hemoglobin levels need to be higher.

All blood types always needed to save lives

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your blood donations are truly lifesaving, no matter your blood type. All blood types are constantly needed to keep the blood supply well-stocked for hospital patients.

Find out more about the impact your blood donation can have on people’s lives.

Learn more about the donation process and different types of blood donation.

Make your blood donation appointment now so patients don’t have to wait for treatment.

Because of you, life doesn’t stop.

Hemoglobin vs. Hematocrit

Donating blood can help monitor your health

All blood types always needed to save lives