Home/Terminology/Lab Values/Hematocrit

How to Pronounce Hematocrit

heh-MAT-oh-krit

IPA: /hɪˈmæt.ə.krɪt/

heh MAT oh krit

How do you pronounce Hematocrit?

Hematocrit is pronounced "heh-MAT-oh-krit". It has 4 syllables: heh - mat - oh - krit. The stress falls on the second syllable, "mat".

How many syllables are in Hematocrit?

Hematocrit has 4 syllables: heh - mat - oh - krit.

What does Hematocrit mean?

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. A low hematocrit indicates anemia or blood loss. A high hematocrit may indicate dehydration or a bone marrow disorder.

Etymology & Word Parts

hemato- blood Greek haima, blood

-krit to separate, judge Greek krinein, to separate

Clinical Usage

Hematocrit (Hct) is reported alongside hemoglobin on the CBC. Low Hct indicates anemia or acute blood loss. Elevated Hct is seen in dehydration, polycythemia vera, or high-altitude adaptation. The Hct-to-Hgb ratio is approximately 3:1.

Common Mispronunciations

Often said "HEM-ah-to-crit" — stress falls on the second syllable: heh-MAT-oh-krit

Where You’ll Encounter This

CBC panels, blood transfusion thresholds, GI bleed monitoring, preoperative labs, polycythemia workup.