Question 1

what does a low hct, low hgb, and high rdw mean?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: A low hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (hct) mean that one has anemia, or low numbers of red blood cells. A high RDW (or red cell distribution width) indicates that the red blood cells are all of very different sizes. The most common thing to cause this constellation of findings is iron defciency anemia, but other things can too so it is important that your problem be evaluated by a hematologist.

Question 2

low rbc, low hgb, low hct, low mchc. other tests are normal, whats the problem? what causes the low results?

Accepted Answer

Anemia of low iron: The blood results you describe would go along with iron deficiency anemia and in a person of your age likely due to not enough iron intake to make back the red cells you lose during your period. You do not give the actual numbers or the reason you had the testing. Taking iron pills and eating deep green veggies would be what is needed. Ask your MD if iron deficiency is the cause. Too much iron bad

Question 3

rbc low 3.99 hct low 36.4 iron: 41 tibcc 459 ferr 6.4 - iron deficiet anemia but why isnt my hemoglobin low?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficient: Your hemoglobin may be low normal, but your iron stores are still depleted and if you do not correct the deficiency you will become anemic, especially of you are losing more than usual amount of blood each month. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco or alcohol in any form. 
Practice safe sex. 
Get HPV vaccine.

Question 4

cbc done - hgb, hct low(10.6/33.3). the mcv, mch and mch were borderline low. the rdw  high. donated blood 1 month previous with 12.9 hgb. ? diagnosis

Accepted Answer

Not enough data: Most cbc's only tell us what numerically is wrong. The only sure way to tell a CBC is abnormal is to look at the peripheral smear. Your indices indicate that you may be iron deficient, however that requires a thorough assessment for blood loss from the gi, gu and respiratory tract. If you donate blood, you can exacerbate the iron deficiency.

Question 5

i have symptoms of b12 deficiency. sister & grandmother pernicious anaemia. b12 is 306. rbc & hct low. mch high. doctor ruling out pa. opinion? i'm 34

Accepted Answer

If you were my: patient, I would treat you for B12 deficiency after also checking MMA (methylmalonic acid) and homocysteine. 200 pg/ml is usually considered the lower limit of normal but with modest anemia, elevated MCH, symptoms and family history I would go ahead and treat you.  I hope you feel better soon. Stay well:)

Question 6

16 month old not thriving. swollen lymph nodes. high alp, high eosinophil's, low hct, low ferritin, + vit d. low iga. what could be wrong with her?

Accepted Answer

Many issues: There could be many things wrong with your baby. YOU MUST SEE A PEDIATRICIAN as soon as possible.
A visit to the nearest Emergency facility would be the best thing for you to do TODAY!

Question 7

many fractures, low hct, low hgb, low rbc... can the fractures cause the other three? (wbc and platelets are normal. on anticoagulant lovenox)

Accepted Answer

The opposite: B"sd that combination certainly needs to be looked into, imagine it already has.  Fractures will not cause anemia, but a cause of  pathological or other categories of fracture can be due to conditions that cause anemia - most commonly multiple myeloma.  For sure you  should have a thorough evaluation.  As an endocrinologist am consulted on bone and mineral metabolism. would be glad to help

Question 8

my hgb and hct are low and my platelet is high. what it means?

Accepted Answer

Chronic blood loss ,: If you are bleeding slowly ,the chronic bleed will cause anemia ,hence the low Hb and Hct and elevated platelets. A work up for occult bleeding ,most commonly from GI tract would be very helpful.

Question 9

5 yo blood work: hgb/hct mild low. hgb f 7.4, retic 9.1, spherocytes  & polychromatic 3-5/hpf. nrbc 1.4. dr said not urgent. appt in 4 wks. worried!!

Accepted Answer

Mgt: In the meantime, additional tests such as a Hb electrophoresis may be considered.

Question 10

what can cause low hgb (13.9gm/bl) and hct (39.7%) levels? my iron was normal. folate level (18.6ng) is high, but b12 is normal. my hgb and hct were low on 2 different tests about 2 or 3 months apart? yesterday my blood pressure was 100/68?

Accepted Answer

: These hemoglobin and hematocrit numbers are entirely normal. Even if these numbers are very slightly below the numbers given by this particular lab, I see nothing to be concerned about and there is no need for further evaluation. Discuss with your doctor if you remain concerned.

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Doctor answers about:

HCT low

A member asked:

What does a low hct, low hgb, and high rdw mean?

A member asked:

Low rbc, low hgb, low hct, low mchc. other tests are normal, whats the problem? what causes the low results?

A member asked:

Rbc low 3.99 hct low 36.4 iron: 41 tibcc 459 ferr 6.4 - iron deficiet anemia but why isnt my hemoglobin low?

A member asked:

Cbc done - hgb, hct low(10.6/33.3). the mcv, mch and mch were borderline low. the rdw high. donated blood 1 month previous with 12.9 hgb. ? diagnosis

A member asked:

I have symptoms of b12 deficiency. sister & grandmother pernicious anaemia. b12 is 306. rbc & hct low. mch high. doctor ruling out pa. opinion? i'm 34

A member asked:

16 month old not thriving. swollen lymph nodes. high alp, high eosinophil's, low hct, low ferritin, + vit d. low iga. what could be wrong with her?

A member asked:

Many fractures, low hct, low hgb, low rbc... can the fractures cause the other three? (wbc and platelets are normal. on anticoagulant lovenox)

A member asked:

My hgb and hct are low and my platelet is high. what it means?

A member asked:

5 yo blood work: hgb/hct mild low. hgb f 7.4, retic 9.1, spherocytes & polychromatic 3-5/hpf. nrbc 1.4. dr said not urgent. appt in 4 wks. worried!!

A member asked:

What can cause low hgb (13.9gm/bl) and hct (39.7%) levels? my iron was normal. folate level (18.6ng) is high, but b12 is normal. my hgb and hct were low on 2 different tests about 2 or 3 months apart? yesterday my blood pressure was 100/68?

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