Final answer:
Normal hematocrit values differ between genders, with females ranging from 37 to 47 percent and males from 42 to 52 percent. These values represent the percentage of erythrocytes in the total blood volume and are vital for diagnosing conditions related to red blood cell count.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal hematocrit values for females are typically within the range of 37 to 47 percent, with a mean value around 41 percent, whereas for males, the range is usually from 42 to 52 percent, with a mean value of about 47 percent.
Hematocrit represents the volume percentage of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a blood sample after it has been centrifuged. The remaining portion, which consists mostly of plasma, varies inversely with the hematocrit level. For females, the average plasma percentage would be approximately 59 percent (100 minus 41), and for males, it would be about 53 percent (100 minus 47). These values are essential for diagnosing various conditions, such as anemia or polycythemia, which are indicative of either a low or high hematocrit value, respectively.
It is also important to note that factors like iron deficiency anemia can affect these values, which is particularly relevant for certain demographics, such as children, adolescent girls, and nursing mothers. The percentage of other formed elements such as white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets in the blood is minimal and generally does not affect hematocrit calculation significantly.