How Do You Spell HEMATOCRITS?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛmɐtˌɒkɹɪts] (IPA)

The correct spelling for the word involving the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood is "hematocrits." The word consists of three syllables; "he-ma-to-crits." The first syllable "he" is pronounced like "heh," the second syllable "ma" like "mah," and the third syllable "to-crits" is made up of two sounds. "To" sounds like "tow" and "crits" has a silent "c" and is pronounced like "krɪts." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /hɛˈmæt ə krɪts/.

HEMATOCRITS Meaning and Definition

1. Hematocrit is a medical term that refers to the measurement of the volume percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the total volume of blood. It is often expressed as a percentage. Hematocrit is an essential component of a complete blood count (CBC) test and provides valuable information about the overall health and functioning of the blood.

   To determine hematocrit levels, a blood sample is taken from a vein and placed in a specialized tube known as a hematocrit tube. The blood is then centrifuged, causing it to separate into its various components based on density. The RBCs settle at the bottom of the tube, forming a distinct layer. The hematocrit is calculated by dividing the volume of the RBC layer by the total volume of the blood sample and multiplying by 100.

   Hematocrit measurement is crucial for evaluating an individual's hydration status, assessing the severity of some medical conditions (such as anemia or polycythemia), monitoring certain medications or treatments (such as chemotherapy), and determining eligibility for blood donations.

   Normal hematocrit ranges can vary slightly between men and women, as well as across different age groups. In general, a low hematocrit measurement may indicate conditions such as anemia, bleeding disorders, or nutritional deficiencies, while a high hematocrit may suggest conditions like dehydration, polycythemia, or prolonged exposure to high altitudes. Abnormal hematocrit levels often require further investigation and medical intervention to diagnose and manage the underlying cause.

Common Misspellings for HEMATOCRITS

• hematacrite
• Hematocited

Etymology of HEMATOCRITS

The word "hematocrits" is plural for "hematocrit", which is derived from two Greek roots: "haima", meaning blood, and "krites", meaning judge or separator. Therefore, "hematocrit" literally translates to "blood judge" or "blood separator". The term refers to a measure of the volume of red blood cells in relation to the total blood volume.