hematocrit

[ hi-mat-uh-krit ]

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.

hematocrit

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hematocrit¹

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

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

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

From Washington Post

Testing revealed that Parks had exceptionally high levels of red blood cells and a high hematocrit, the percentage of the blood’s mass made up of red blood cells.

From Science Magazine

"Glucose concentration can vary hourly, not so platelets or hematocrit."

From Washington Post