what does low hct mean
A low hematocrit means the percentage of red blood cells is below the lower limits of normal (see above) for that person's age, sex, or specific condition (for example, pregnancy or high-altitude living).Another term for low hematocrit is anemia. Causes of low hematocrit, or anemia, include:1  Bleeding (ulcers, trauma, colon cancer, internal bleeding). 2  Destruction of red blood cells (sickle cell anemia, enlarged spleen). 3  Decreased production of red blood cells (bone marrow supression, cancer, drugs). 4  Nutritional problems (low iron, B 12, folate and malnutrition). Destruction of red blood cells (sickle cell anemia, enlarged spleen). 2  Decreased production of red blood cells (bone marrow supression, cancer, drugs). 3  Nutritional problems (low iron, B 12, folate and malnutrition). 4  Overhydration (polydypsia, intravenous overhydration).