HEMATOCRIT (089-0018)

Synonyms: HCT, CRIT

CPT 4 Code: 85014 (Limited Coverage Test (NCD)

Test Order Mnemonic: HCT

Test Includes: Hematocrit

Lab: Hematopathology

Applies To: Monitoring hematological status when Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters are not required.

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Venipuncture preferred; Micro-collection acceptable.

Storage Instructions: Stable at Room Temperature for 24 hours.  Stable Refrigerated for 36 hours.

Cause For Rejection: Clotted, QNS, identification error, hemolysis

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough

Turnaround Time: STAT: 1 hour;  Routine: 4 hours

Special Instructions: ECMO specimens should be delivered directly to the Hematopathology lab (5.142 McCullough)

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 2 ml

Minimum Volume: 1 mL (0.5 mL in extreme emergency)

Container: EDTA (Lavender-top tube)

Reference Ranges: Age/Sex Related (See patient chart)

Critical Values: < 21.0% (newborns);  < 15.0% (children/adult)

Test Method: Part of an automated multi-parameter counting of red blood cells (RBC) using electronic resistance detection enhanced by hydrodynamic focusing.  The hematocrit is measured utilizing cumulative pulse height detection. 

Interfering Substances: Clots or fibrin strands; inappropriate anticoagulant; extremely elevated WBC counts; sickle cells; hemolysis; electrolyte imbalances; warm or cold agglutinins; elevated plasma lipids; elevated chylomicrons; elevated bilirubin; elevated serum urea nitrogen.

Reviewed 10/10/07 by L. Emanuel, MT(ASCP)