Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
Hematocrit test
Percentage of blood volume that is red blood cells; can be lower in anemia. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Shows what share of your blood is made up of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen. A low share can be one sign of anemia.
Why it matters for women
Women’s normal range is lower than men’s, and heavy periods can be one of the most common reasons it drops further. In pregnancy it can dip naturally as your blood volume grows, so it’s read with that in mind. It’s a quick first check for anemia before, during, and after pregnancy.
You might check it if…
- your periods are heavy or last longer than a week
- you look paler or feel more tired than usual
- you’re planning a pregnancy or recently gave birth
What your result may mean
High Hematocrit: what it may mean
High hematocrit may reflect dehydration, smoking or living at high altitude, because a larger share of your blood can be red cells. Less frequently, it can come from a bone marrow disorder that makes too many red cells, such as polycythemia vera. Severe vomiting or diarrhea can push it up for a short time. Very high values can thicken the blood and may raise the risk of clots. Some people may notice headaches, dizziness or itching after a warm shower, and others may have no symptoms.
Low Hematocrit: what it may mean
Low hematocrit may point to anemia, which can come from too little iron, vitamin B12 or folate, from blood loss or from long-term illness. Heavy periods can be one of the most common reasons it drops in women. It can also dip with extra fluid in the blood, as can happen in pregnancy when blood volume grows, so results may be read with that in mind. Some people may notice tiredness, dizziness or shortness of breath with activity. A clinician may look at hemoglobin and iron tests to help sort out why.
Get started
Stop guessing. Start testing.
Answer a few questions. We’ll suggest tests linked to how you feel, with a clear price for every test.
No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.