Hematocrit

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.

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

• 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.