What does low HCT mean?

A low Hematocrit (HCT) generally indicates anemia, meaning a person has too few red blood cells.

Understanding Hematocrit (HCT)

Hematocrit (HCT) is a measurement of the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. It's a vital part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps doctors evaluate your overall health.

Normal HCT Ranges

According to reference information, normal HCT levels vary depending on sex:

Low HCT and Anemia

A hematocrit level below the normal range suggests that you have a lower-than-normal proportion of red blood cells. This condition is commonly referred to as anemia. Various factors can cause anemia, and further investigation is usually needed to determine the underlying cause.