Hematocrit blood test
The share of your blood made up of red blood cells.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 38–50 %
- Panel
- Blood Health
- Also called
- HCT, Haematocrit, Packed cell volume
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
One of the most watched markers on testosterone: thicker blood raises the risk of clots and strokes.
What can raise it
- Testosterone or anabolic steroid use
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Altitude
- Sleep apnoea
What can lower it
- Anaemia
- Blood loss
- Over-hydration
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect Hematocrit
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Testosterone Cypionate
- Testosterone Enanthate
- Testosterone Propionate
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Masteron Enanthate (Drostanolone Enanthate)
- Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Other blood health tests
Questions
What is a normal Hematocrit level?
A typical adult male reference range is 38–50 %. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Hematocrit mean?
Common reasons include testosterone or anabolic steroid use, dehydration, smoking, altitude and sleep apnoea. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Hematocrit mean?
Common reasons include anaemia, blood loss and over-hydration.