A low hematocrit may indicate which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Hemoglobinemia
• C. Hyperlipemia
• D. Anemia

Answer: (D)

Hematocrit shows how much of the blood is made up of red blood cells. A low hematocrit means there are fewer red blood cells relative to the plasma, which is most consistent with anemia. Anemia can result from underproduction of red blood cells, increased destruction, or blood loss, all of which lower the overall red cell mass. Dehydration, on the other hand, reduces fluid in the body and often concentrates the blood, raising hematocrit rather than lowering it. Hemoglobinemia refers to free hemoglobin in the plasma from hemolysis and is a related issue to red cell destruction but doesn’t by itself define a low hematocrit. Hyperlipemia involves high lipid levels in the blood and does not directly affect red blood cell mass or hematocrit. So a low hematocrit best points to anemia.