This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath during activities that used to feel easy. It helps identify if you have anemia (low red blood cells) or dehydration issues that could be affecting your energy levels and physical performance. Many people use this test when they feel constantly tired, have pale skin, or notice their endurance has decreased without any clear reason.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed for this test. You don't need to fast before your blood draw, and you can take your regular medications and eat normally. Simply schedule your appointment at a convenient time and stay hydrated as you normally would.
What's included in this test?
This test measures your hematocrit level, which is the percentage of red blood cells in your total blood volume. Hematocrit is a key indicator of your blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout your body, directly affecting your energy levels, endurance, and overall vitality. Low hematocrit can signal anemia or dehydration, while high levels may indicate dehydration or other blood disorders, making this a valuable screening tool for understanding fatigue and performance issues.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your hematocrit levels mean for your energy, hydration status, and oxygen delivery to your body. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes to boost iron intake, hydration strategies, or whether you should investigate underlying causes of anemia. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your hematocrit levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is valuable for anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, or reduced athletic performance. It's especially useful for athletes monitoring their training and recovery, people with heavy menstrual periods, those with chronic conditions affecting blood health, and anyone concerned about anemia or dehydration. If you're feeling unusually tired despite adequate rest, this test can provide important insights.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms that suggest you might benefit from this test include constant tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, feeling weak or lightheaded, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath during normal activities, cold hands and feet, rapid heartbeat, and decreased exercise tolerance. If you're experiencing any combination of these symptoms, checking your hematocrit can help identify if low red blood cells are the cause.
How can I naturally improve my hematocrit levels?
To support healthy red blood cell production, focus on eating iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C sources like citrus fruits or bell peppers to enhance iron absorption. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking water throughout the day, get regular exercise to stimulate red blood cell production, and include folate and B12-rich foods like eggs, dairy, and leafy greens. Avoid excessive tea or coffee with meals as they can interfere with iron absorption.
What is hematocrit and why does it matter?
Hematocrit is the percentage of your blood that consists of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Normal hematocrit levels ensure your tissues get enough oxygen to function properly, giving you energy and stamina. When hematocrit is too low, you may feel tired and weak because your body isn't getting enough oxygen, while excessively high levels can make your blood too thick, potentially increasing health risks.
What does low hematocrit mean?
Low hematocrit typically indicates anemia, meaning you don't have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout your body. This can result from iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12 and folate), chronic diseases, blood loss, or bone marrow problems. Low hematocrit explains symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Addressing the underlying cause through diet, supplements, or medical treatment can help restore healthy levels.
How often should I retest my hematocrit?
If you're addressing anemia or low hematocrit through diet or supplements, retesting in 8-12 weeks can show if your interventions are working. For athletes monitoring performance and training adaptation, testing every 3-6 months can track trends. If you have a chronic condition affecting blood health, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent monitoring every 1-3 months. Once your levels stabilize in a healthy range, annual testing is usually sufficient for general wellness monitoring.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.
Long story short:
In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want.
If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
[email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
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Demo results
Hematocrit (HCT)36.5%
Demo results
LowOptimal 38.3 - 48.6High
36.5%
What this means
Your hematocrit level is slightly below the optimal range, which means the percentage of red blood cells in your blood is lower than ideal. This may explain feelings of fatigue, reduced stamina, or difficulty with physical activities, as your blood is carrying less oxygen to your muscles and organs than it should.
Recommended actions
Increase iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals
Pair iron sources with vitamin C foods like oranges or bell peppers to boost absorption
Ensure adequate B12 and folate intake through eggs, dairy, and leafy greens
Stay well-hydrated and retest in 8-12 weeks to monitor improvement
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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