HEMATOCRIT

Test Code

LAB289

Alias/See Also

HCT

CPT Codes
85014

Preferred Specimen

Lavender top tube

Minimum Volume

1.0 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Pediatric lavender tube

Instructions

Invert tube immediately and gently mix blood with anticoagulant

Transport Container

Lavender

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Methodology
Impedance

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Daily Report Available: Routine 4 hours/STAT 1 hour

Reference Range

HEMATOCRIT	Sysmex	%	Males
			0 - 5 days: 44.0 -64.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >65.0
			5 - 8 dys days: 35.0 - 49.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >65.0
			8 - 90 days: 35.0 - 49.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			91 days - 2 years: 30.0 - 40.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			2 - 6 years: 31.0 - 43.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			>=6 years: 40.0 - 54.0
			Critical: <20.1 or >59.9
			Females
			0 - 5 days: 44.0 - 64.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >65.0
			5 - 90 days: 35.0 - 49.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			91 days - 2 years: 30.0 - 40.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			2 - 6 years: 31.0 -43.0
			Critical: <25.0 or >59.9
			>=6 years: 38.0-47.0
			Critical: <20.1 or >59.9

Clinical Significance

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. A decrease in the number or size of red cells also decreases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a lower hematocrit. An increase in the number or size of red cells increases the amount of space they occupy, resulting in a higher hematocrit. Thalassemia is a condition which can cause an increased number of red blood cells but a decreased size and hematocrit. The hematocrit is usually done on a person with symptoms of anemia. An anemic person has fewer or smaller than normal red cells. A low hematocrit, combined with other abnormal blood tests, confirms the diagnosis. Some conditions, such as polycythemia, cause an overproduction of red blood cells, resulting in an increased hematocrit. Transfusion decisions are based on the results of laboratory tests, including hematocrit. Transfusion is not considered if the hematocrit level is reasonable. The level differs for each person, depending on his or her clinical condition ref: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine.

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Hematology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.