183k views
3 votes
List 3 factors that affect RBC hematocrit.

User Cchampion
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

RBC hematocrit can be affected by a person's hydration status, altitude of residence, and bone marrow disorders, such as polycythemia vera, which can lead to an abnormal increase in erythrocyte production.

Step-by-step explanation:

List three factors that affect RBC hematocrit:

Hydration Status: Dehydration can lead to an elevated hematocrit as the volume of plasma decreases while the RBC count remains the same.Altitude: Living at high altitudes can result in an increased hematocrit due to the body producing more RBCs to compensate for lower oxygen levels. Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions such as polycythemia vera cause an overproduction of RBCs, raising the hematocrit.

Factors like gender and overall health can also influence hematocrit values, with normal ranges differing between males and females. The number of erythrocytes, the volume percentage of erythrocytes in blood, and individual physiological conditions are crucial in determining a person's hematocrit level.

User Kathi
by
7.6k points