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Hematocrit

Meaning

Hematocrit is a standard laboratory metric representing the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, expressed as a percentage. This measurement is fundamental in assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and diagnosing conditions like anemia or polycythemia. Although primarily a hematological value, endocrine status, particularly through erythropoietin regulation, influences its long-term maintenance. A clinical assessment requires interpreting this value alongside hemoglobin concentration.