Low hematocrit, Low hemaglobin

[SeaBreeze]

I got results of some labs done while I was in the hospital.  Hemoglobin was 8, hematocrit was 31.  I think those are low. But no one mentioned the 'lowness'... could they have missed something, should I make a call pointing it out ?  what do you think ? I think they were too busy looking at the 'heart' enzymes and such and these values slipped by them.  Do you think I'm over-reacting ?

[Linda196]

In order for these to make some sense, you have to understand that the hematocrit is a measurement of the ratio of blood cells in your whole blood compared to the serum or plasma. Because the hematocrit was low, it indicated that the cells are in a higher than normal volume of fluid (were you by any chance receiving IV fluid when they were taken?) and this dilutes the ratio.

If there was no concern shown by your doctor (and low hemoglobin can cause some of the same cardiac symptoms as heart attack so it is pretty closely followed) my guess (and that's all it is) would have to be that he corrected for the low fluid:cell ratio, and the resulting hemoglobin was improved enough to not be a cause for concern, but you should most definitely ask your doctor about this, because Hgb (hemoglobin) of 8 or less requires supplementation with iron, at least for a short time.

[SeaBreeze]

Hi Linda, thank you for the reply, the dilution theory fits... as I had 2 IV's in with 4 things hanging for days... makes sense now.  I'll bring it up on my next call or visit... thank you for the thoughts.