What does hematocrit measure in a CBC test?

Hematocrit measures the percentage of your blood volume made up of red blood cells. It’s an important indicator of overall blood health. A low hematocrit level can indicate anemia, blood loss, or a nutritional deficiency like iron deficiency, while a high hematocrit may suggest dehydration, lung disease, or polycythemia vera. Normal hematocrit ranges vary between men and women, with typical values being 40-54% for men and 36-48% for women. Abnormal hematocrit levels require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.