hematocrit

American  

[hi-mat-uh-krit] / hɪˈmæt ə krɪt /

noun

1. a centrifuge for separating the cells of the blood from the plasma.

2. Also called hematocrit value.  the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to a given volume of blood so centrifuged, expressed as a percentage.

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hematocrit Scientific  

/ hĭ-măt′ə-krĭt′ /

1. The percentage by volume of red blood cells in a given sample of blood after it has been spun in a centrifuge.

2. A centrifuge used to determine the relative volumes of blood cells and plasma in a given sample of blood.

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Etymology

Origin of hematocrit

First recorded in 1890–95; hemato- + -crit, from Greek kritḗs “judge”; critic

Example Sentences

Low values of red blood cell count, or RBC, hemoglobin, or Hb, and hematocrit, or HCT, would indicate that the patient is suffering from anemia.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2024

Researchers found that higher testosterone levels were associated with higher hematocrit levels, however, the magnitude of change in hematocrit was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023

The hematocrit and testosterone laboratory values were collected as part of the same blood sample, typically mid-week after a weekly injection, for all patients using injectable forms of testosterone.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023

“We can also consider confounding factors such as genetics or training at altitude, which can raise hematocrit levels.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2016

One such test, called a hematocrit, measures the percentage of RBCs, clinically known as erythrocytes, in a blood sample.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013