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Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease

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Hematocrit: Associated Laboratory Test for Hepatitis C

for Veterans and the Public

Hematocrit - Hepatitis C for Patients

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 ribavirin (a medication sometimes used in hepatitis C treatment).
  • Often, lowering the dosage of ribavirin will help bring the hematocrit back up.