Which value is within the normal pediatric hematocrit (Hct) range?

Which value is within the normal pediatric hematocrit (Hct) range?

• A. 20%
• B. 50%
• C. 60%
• D. 33%

Answer: (D)

Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, and in pediatric patients the normal range is typically around the low to mid 30s, with some variation by age and hydration. A value of 33% falls squarely within that expected range, reflecting a normal percentage of red cells for many children. By contrast, a hematocrit of 20% would indicate significant anemia or blood loss, while values of 50% or 60% are higher than normal for children and point to polycythemia or hemoconcentration rather than a typical pediatric baseline.

Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, and in pediatric patients the normal range is typically around the low to mid 30s, with some variation by age and hydration. A value of 33% falls squarely within that expected range, reflecting a normal percentage of red cells for many children. By contrast, a hematocrit of 20% would indicate significant anemia or blood loss, while values of 50% or 60% are higher than normal for children and point to polycythemia or hemoconcentration rather than a typical pediatric baseline.