What is the Difference Between Hemoglobin and Hematocrit?

The main difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit lies in what they measure and what they are. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Hematocrit, on the other hand, is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are measured through blood tests and are used to diagnose anemia.

Key differences between hemoglobin and hematocrit include:

• Measurement: Hemoglobin measures the amount of the protein in red blood cells, while hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
• Function: Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, giving them their color. Hematocrit, however, does not have a direct function in the body.
• Normal levels: Normal hemoglobin levels for males range from 14 to 18 g/dl, while for females, they range from 12 to 16 g/dl. Normal hematocrit levels for adult men range from 41% to 50%, and for women, they range from 36% to 44%.
• Testing: Both hemoglobin and hematocrit can be measured from standard blood tests, and both values are typically reported when a doctor orders a blood count.

Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to diagnose anemia, a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels or low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. High hemoglobin levels can be seen in people who live in high altitudes and in smokers, as well as in cases of dehydration, lung disease, cancer, bone marrow disorders, and blood doping by athletes. High hematocrit levels may indicate polycythemia or erythrocytosis.

Comparative Table: Hemoglobin vs Hematocrit

The difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit lies in their definitions and the aspects of blood composition they represent. Here is a comparison table of the two:

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. On the other hand, hematocrit is the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood, with normal values ranging from 40%-54% for adult males and 36%-48% for females. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to diagnose anemia, a condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of hemoglobin.