Hematocrit

CPT: 85014

Synonyms

HCT

Expected Turnaround Time

24 Hours

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

5 ml

Minimum Volume

1 ml

Container

EDTA (Lavender Top Tube)

Collection

Collect the sample in EDTA purple top tube using proper phlebotomy technique and stored refrigerated at 2-8 degree Celsius.

Storage Instructions

Room Temp., Refrigerated (2-8 C)

Stability Requirements

Room temp. 48hrs., Refrigerated 48 hours

Causes for Rejection

Sample past stability, sample clotted, extremely lipemic, improper labeling, mislabeled specimen, excessive platelets clumping, expired tubes, specimen contaminated with IV fluids

Test Details

Use

This test is used to evaluate anemia, detect blood loss, assess hydration status, and investigate suspected polycythemia or monitor response to treatment.

Methodology

Automated cell counter

Reference Interval

Age and gender specific reference ranges

Critical Value Range

Less than 19.5% or greater than 66%

Additional Information

Hematocrit (Hct) is the percentage of whole blood volume occupied by red blood cells and is a key parameter in the evaluation of anemia, polycythemia, hydration status, and overall red cell mass. It is typically measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) using automated hematology analyzers through impedance or flow cytometry methods. Hematocrit can also be calculated by multiplying the red blood cell count by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Normal reference ranges vary by age, sex, and physiological status. Decreased hematocrit levels are commonly associated with anemia, acute or chronic blood loss, and fluid overload, while elevated levels may indicate dehydration, chronic hypoxia, or polycythemia vera. Interpretation of hematocrit should be integrated with hemoglobin, red blood cell indices, and clinical context for accurate diagnosis and management.

References

McKenzie, S. B., & Williams, J. L. (2014). Clinical Laboratory Hematology (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Koury, M. J., & Ponka, P. (2004). New insights into erythropoiesis: The roles of folate, vitamin B12, and iron. Annual Review of Nutrition, 24, 105–131. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132306

Hoffbrand, A. V., & Moss, P. A. H. (2016). Essential Haematology (7th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Footnotes

Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.

Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.

CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.

Questions?

For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.