for Veterans and the Public

The hematocrit is sometimes known as "red blood cell count." The hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total contents of your blood.

Explanation of test results:

A low hematocrit is referred to as "anemia." If the hematocrit is very low, patients may feel tired easily.

Other things to know:

• The hematocrit is directly related to the hemoglobin level (see previous screen: "Hemoglobin").
• Low hematocrits can develop during treatment with interferon and ribavirin.
• Often, lowering the dosage of ribavirin will help bring the hematocrit back up.
• Often, a medication called Epogen can be used by patients receiving treatment to bring the hematocrit back up.