What Is The Haematocrit Test For?
Your haematocrit measures how much of your blood is made up of cells and is expressed as a percentage.
Nearly all of the cells in your blood are red blood cells (RBCs).
Haematocrit Testing (PCV)
The Haematocrit test is also known as a Packed Cell Volume test.
All you need to know about testing Haematocrit levels with a laboratory test
- What is the Haematocrit test for?
- How to test Haematocrit?
- What if Haematocrit results are high?
- What if Haematocrit results are low?
- Who should take the Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood test?
- How long will it take to receive my results?
- How reliable are the results from a Haematocrit test kit?
- What is the benefit of using a self-collected Haematocrit test kit?
- How do I use the Haematocrit test kit?
- How does the Haematocrit test work?
- What should I do if my Haematocrit test results are abnormal?
- How are the Haematocrit test results interpreted?
- What symptoms can indicate the need for a Haematocrit test?
- What conditions can the Haematocrit test help diagnose?
- What is a Haematocrit test?
Haematocrit Testing UK Statistics 2026
19.3% of people tested have Haematocrit levels which are too high.
And 1.0% have levels that are too low.
0.4
Low
< 0.33
Normal
0.33 - 0.45
High
0.45 +
The average Haematocrit result is 0.4
Note what is normal for you may differ for your age and sex.
Are you in the 79.8% with normal results?
Get Tested ›How To Test Haematocrit
By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Haematocrit for total reassurance.
Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.
The Vitall Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic test kit includes a Haematocrit test and is available for just £79.00.
Tests which include a Haematocrit test:
What if Haematocrit Results Are High?
The most common cause of increased packed cell volume (haematocrit) is dehydration. After fluid intake (for example, drinking water), the haematocrit level often returns to normal levels.
However, increased haematocrit can also indicate that there are too many red blood cells in the blood, a condition known as polycythaemia.
The additional red blood cells in polycythaemia make the blood thicker. This can make it less able to travel through capillaries and reach the body’s tissues. If severe, it can lead to blood clots, which can be very serious.
Haemoglobin and red cell count results from the same test panel are commonly reviewed alongside this result, as polycythaemia is often associated with higher levels of both.
When polycythaemia is suspected, this finding is often reviewed further and may involve specialist input to clarify the cause.
What if Haematocrit Results Are Low?
A decreased haematocrit (packed cell volume) is consistent with anaemia, and further testing is often used to clarify the cause.
Many conditions can be associated with a low haematocrit, including nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or vitamin deficiency), inflammatory conditions, cirrhosis of the liver, and bone marrow disorders.
A low haematocrit is usually interpreted alongside other full blood count results, such as haemoglobin.
Who Should Take This Test?
Measure your Haematocrit levels and measure your general blood and immune health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infections with a Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit
You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.
This Full Blood Count (FBC) Test is advised if you:
- want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
- need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.
How long will it take to receive my results?
After your sample reaches the lab, you should expect to receive your results 24 hours, although this is not guaranteed.The results will be reported securely to you securely online, with clear instructions about what your results mean and any steps you might need to take.
What is the benefit of using a self-collected Haematocrit test kit?
Self-collected Haematocrit test kits offer convenience for those who don't want the hassle of setting up and attending a doctor's appointment. It allows you to collect your blood sample at home, at a time that suits you, and then simply mail it back to the lab for analysis.
How do I use the Haematocrit test kit?
Vitall's Haematocrit test kit involves a finger-prick method. After cleaning the selected finger, you prick it with the sterile lancet provided. Collect a small sample of blood in the tube, seal it with the cap, then return the sample to the lab using the pre-paid envelope included in the kit.
How does the Haematocrit test work?
The Haematocrit test measures the proportion of your blood that is made up of red blood cells. This is done by putting a sample of your blood in a tube and spinning it in a centrifuge. The red blood cells will settle at the bottom, allowing the proportion to total blood volume to be measured.
What should I do if my Haematocrit test results are abnormal?
If you receive an abnormal Haematocrit result, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your results, consider your overall health, and suggest a course of action. An abnormal result does not necessarily indicate a severe disease; it may be due to factors like dehydration which is easily correctable.
How are the Haematocrit test results interpreted?
The result of a Haematocrit test is expressed as a percentage. In general, for men, a normal range is between 38.8% and 50.0%, while for women, it's generally between 34.9% and 44.5%. Your report will always contain the correct range for your age and sex. Values outside these ranges suggest a potential health issue and further consultation with your GP may be necessary.
What symptoms can indicate the need for a Haematocrit test?
Symptoms triggering the need for a Haematocrit test can range from fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, to noticeable paleness. These symptoms suggest possible anaemia. Conversely, symptoms such as dizziness, itchiness, and fullness after eating a small amount may suggest polycythemia.
What is a Haematocrit test?
A Haematocrit test, also known as Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test, is a blood test that measures the proportion of red blood cells (erythrocytes) to the total blood volume. The test plays an essential role in diagnosing conditions that affect your red blood cells, such as anaemia or polycythemia.
Other Biomarkers Often Tested With Haematocrit
Basophils 
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