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Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can indicate a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions. [4] An abnormally low hematocrit may suggest anemia, a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells, while an abnormally high hematocrit is called polycythemia. [5] Both are potentially life-threatening disorders.
Mixed-deficiency (iron + B 12 or folate) anemia usually presents with high RDW and variable MCV. Recent hemorrhages typically present with high RDW and normal MCV. A false high RDW reading can occur if EDTA anticoagulated blood is used instead of citrated blood. See Pseudothrombocytopenia. By severity, elevated RDW can be classified as follows:
The MCV can be conceptualized as the total volume of a group of cells divided by the number of cells. For a real world sized example, imagine you had 10 small jellybeans with a combined volume of 10 μL. The mean volume of a jellybean in this group would be 10 μL / 10 jellybeans = 1 μL / jellybean. A similar calculation works for MCV.
3 Unusual Signs of Dehydration. Craving something sweet and/or salty can signal that your body needs more fluids. Fevers and chills: especially dangerous if the fever is over 101 F.
Loss of over 10% of total body water can cause physical and mental deterioration, accompanied by severe thirst. Death occurs with a 15 and 25% loss of body water. [4] Mild dehydration usually resolves with oral rehydration, but severe cases may need intravenous fluids. Dehydration can cause hypernatremia (high levels of sodium ions in the
Polycythemia is defined as serum hematocrit (Hct) or hemoglobin (HgB) exceeding normal ranges expected for age and sex, typically Hct >49% in healthy adult men and >48% in women, or HgB >16.5 g/dL in men or >16.0 g/dL in women. [8]
The link between dehydration and blood pressure. Dehydration can sometimes cause low blood pressure that can lead to fainting, but not drinking enough water also can result in high blood pressure ...
Macrocytosis is a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal. [1] These enlarged cells, also known as macrocytes, are defined by a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) that exceeds the upper reference range established by the laboratory and hematology analyzer (usually >110 fL). [2]