What does it mean when you have low hematocrit?

Answer by  earlnb (100)

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells (or RBC's) in the blood. RBC's carry oxygen throughout the body. The number of RBC's is directly related to the percentage of hematocrit. A low oxygen leads to a lack of energy which negatively affects physical and mental stamina.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Hematocrit is your ratio of blood cells to the fluid in which they are suspended. Far and away the biggest contribution to your hematocrit comes from your red blood cells and a low hematocrit indicates some form of anemia. As to what causes the anemia, there are many possibilities.

Answer by  newgeneration (699)

Hematocrit is a test of the amount of red blood cells in the blood. Low hematocrit is referred to as anemia, which can be caused by loss of blood; a defenciency in vitamin B12, folate or iron; bone marrow replacement or suppression; kidney failure; or an abnormal hematocrit caused by sickle cell anemia disease.

Answer by  PHOAT (645)

Hematocrit is basically how much of your blood is comprised of red blood cells. When your levels of hematocrit are low, it could indicate that you have anemia.