Question 1

how do i raise hematocrit levels asap?

Accepted Answer

Blood transfusion: Blood transfusion can increase your hemoglobin /.Hematocrit rapidly. However, there are many factors that can cause anemia- eg- bleeding, iron deficiency, vit deficiency, destruction of red blood cells, bone marrow failure, other chronic diseases etc. The treatment has to be directed towards the underlying cause.

Question 2

why would food poisoning increase hematocrit levels?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration: Hematocrit is the percentage of whole blood that is red blood cells. The hematocrit can rise when either the red blood cell count rises, or the liquid portion of blood decreases. This can occur with dehydration, which may be a consequence of food poisoning if diarrhea, vomiting, or low fluid intake occur.

Question 3

what would cause iron infusions to raise the iron levels but not hemoglobin or hematocrit levels?

Accepted Answer

: I would not expect an iron infusion to cause an immediate rise in either hemoglobin or hematocrit values. Iron is one of the building blocks of blood and the most common rate limiting factor in creation of these cells. Once you have adequate iron on hand the body would take time building new cells. Within weeks you should see a rise in values unless there is some other problem is the system.

Question 4

what difference (health perspective) does it make if an athlete increases their hematocrit to the same level through epo or an altitude tent, say 50%?

Accepted Answer

Thick Blood: More strokes happen. Tissue is extremities gets less oxygen and can be damaged.  This is in no way a health decision.  What are the doctors in your life who have ethical boundaries and standards of practice recommending to you in person.  It surely seems like you have only listened to other people advocating products that are outright dangerous to your future health.

Question 5

my hemoglobin is 9, and my hematocrit 30. i feel dizzy. will 200 mg per day of diglycinate quelat iron tablets raise me fast to safe levels?

Accepted Answer

: You need to find out why your hemoglobin is so low. You need to have your stools tested for microscopic blood to find out if you are bleeding into your GI tract. You also need to have iron studies done to determine if you indeed have iron deficiency anemia. There are other types of anemia and if you have a different type, iron supplements will not help. You need more testing done. Good luck!

Question 6

i am working to improve my prior poor nutrition, my blood levels were low. now, my hematocrit is normal at 38.3, but hemoglobin 12.0 (range is 11.5-15.5). is my hemoglobin still on the lower end? should i eat more iron rich foods to raise it more?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: Your limited lab data &amp; detail makes it hard to offer specific advice. In general if your hemoglobin was low it takes 3 or more months of additional iron in your diet or as a supplement to return the bone marrow reserves to normal. Proper nutrition is a lifestyle choice. If you have made the change just keep it up &amp; you should be fine.

Question 7

hematocrit level was 56%. hemoglobin level was 18.0. rbc level was 6.0. white blood cells & playlets normal. am i at increased risk for dvt/clots?

Accepted Answer

Yes: First get checked whether it is polycythemia vera. If you have this condition you likely are prone for blood clots.

Question 8

my recent cbc:
mpv-12.9  (was not done for 8 years )
mcv-100.7 
mch-31.8 ( always on this level)
mchc-31.6
rest is normal: wbc-8.79;rbs-4.59;hmg-14.6
hct-46.2;ply-229;red-12.6; nrbc and absolute nrbc -0.00
do i need to be concerned with increased mpy?

Accepted Answer

MCV, not MPV: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, your elevated MCV suggests deficiency of B12 and/or folate, unless it is from drinking. Talk to your doctor about taking B12 and folic acid. Abstain from alcohol.    
Wish you good health!

Question 9

my 12yo son was dx'd with ida 6wks ago. he's on 114mg elemental fe. today his cbc levels changed only slightly (hgb 11.3 to 11.5, hct 33.7 to 33.8, rbc 4.17 to 4.18) iron 39 to 46. should his hgb/rbc increased more. is this still likely ida?

Accepted Answer

: Iron alone is not enough for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.  His total red blood count is only slightly low so your son may have thalasemia trait which cause mild anemia with low Hb and small red cells. If he truly has iron deficiency what is the cause of iron deficiency, not eating enough animal products and green leaves versus blood loss? Ferritin &amp; TIBC are required for the diagnosis.

Question 10

what are poc hematocrit rb low level symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Depends. how low?: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, most people do not have any symptoms with hemoglobin level of 10 gm/dL or hematocrit of 30. 
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, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

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Doctor answers about:

How to increase hematocrit levels

A member asked:

How do i raise hematocrit levels asap?

A member asked:

Why would food poisoning increase hematocrit levels?

A member asked:

What would cause iron infusions to raise the iron levels but not hemoglobin or hematocrit levels?

A member asked:

What difference (health perspective) does it make if an athlete increases their hematocrit to the same level through epo or an altitude tent, say 50%?

A member asked:

My hemoglobin is 9, and my hematocrit 30. i feel dizzy. will 200 mg per day of diglycinate quelat iron tablets raise me fast to safe levels?

A member asked:

I am working to improve my prior poor nutrition, my blood levels were low. now, my hematocrit is normal at 38.3, but hemoglobin 12.0 (range is 11.5-15.5). is my hemoglobin still on the lower end? should i eat more iron rich foods to raise it more?

A member asked:

Hematocrit level was 56%. hemoglobin level was 18.0. rbc level was 6.0. white blood cells & playlets normal. am i at increased risk for dvt/clots?

A member asked:

My recent cbc: mpv-12.9 (was not done for 8 years ) mcv-100.7 mch-31.8 ( always on this level) mchc-31.6 rest is normal: wbc-8.79;rbs-4.59;hmg-14.6 hct-46.2;ply-229;red-12.6; nrbc and absolute nrbc -0.00 do i need to be concerned with increased mpy?

A member asked:

My 12yo son was dx'd with ida 6wks ago. he's on 114mg elemental fe. today his cbc levels changed only slightly (hgb 11.3 to 11.5, hct 33.7 to 33.8, rbc 4.17 to 4.18) iron 39 to 46. should his hgb/rbc increased more. is this still likely ida?

A member asked:

What are poc hematocrit rb low level symptoms?

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