I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Zach on November 12, 2006, 09:50:36 PM

Title: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: Zach on November 12, 2006, 09:50:36 PM

The target range for hematocrit is 33% to 36%, as set forth by the National Kidney Foundation.  Hematocrit is equal to the hemoglobin times three.  Newer standards are in the works.

What is your hematocrit?  Do you have a hard time keeping it stable?

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: angela515 on November 13, 2006, 08:12:16 AM

If my hemoglobin is 11.3, that means my hemocrit is 33.9%, right?

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: Zach on November 13, 2006, 09:21:57 AM

Quote from: angela515 on November 13, 2006, 08:12:16 AM

If my hemoglobin is 11.3, that means my hemocrit is 33.9%, right?

Yes.    :)

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: BigSky on November 13, 2006, 09:48:31 AM

37.8% last month

Really haven't had too many problems keeping it within patient range or a bit higher.

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: jbeany on November 13, 2006, 05:24:16 PM

I haven't had mine checked since my last transfusion.  (I'm due for lab work next week again.)  I'm guessing it's up at the moment.  I can actually walk up steps without stopping for air.

Your poll doesn't go low enough - mine bottomed out before my last transfusion to below 24%.

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: AlasdairUK on November 15, 2006, 01:59:48 AM

HCT is 41% and HB 14.2 at the moment. I have cut back my Arensep to reduce my HB.

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: Zach on November 16, 2006, 09:39:41 PM

An interesting article on EPO:


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/16/business/16anemia.html

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: Epoman on November 16, 2006, 10:18:50 PM

My crit has been AMAZING now on NxStage, It has gotten as high as 48  :o I only get 5,000 units once a week. I used to get 9,000 units 3 times a week. Before I had my thyroid and parathyroids out I was getting 20,000+ units 3 times a week and barely getting hematocrits of 34  :o

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: AlasdairUK on November 17, 2006, 02:46:33 AM

I take Arenesp 30 micrograms every second week with IV iron 100mg every second week. I inject directly into my skin.

Quote from: Epoman on November 16, 2006, 10:18:50 PM

My crit has been AMAZING now on NxStage, It has gotten as high as 48 :o I only get 5,000 units once a week. I used to get 9,000 units 3 times a week. Before I had my thyroid and parathyroids out I was getting 20,000+ units 3 times a week and barely getting hematocrits of 34 :o

At what level of HCT do you run the risk of clotting?

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: Fox_nc on November 17, 2006, 08:01:31 AM

I'm at 49.3% right now ... I got a gold star on my last set of labs  :yahoo;

Title: Re: What is your HEMATOCRIT?
Post by: BigSky on November 17, 2006, 09:55:53 AM

Quote from: AlasdairUK on November 17, 2006, 02:46:33 AM

At what level of HCT do you run the risk of clotting?

They say clotting can occur in veins and arteries with HCT 50 and above.

However if I remember correctly in  terms of dialysis patients who are taking Aranesp or Epo, the risk of clotting jumps up when it is given to people with HCT that is  roughly 33-36 range or a hemoglobin of 11-12 range.