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Is Hematocrit Level Of 26 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Question: Is the number 26 dangerous for a man 83 and just had a quadruple by pass
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, the number 26 would not be dangerous.

Detailed Answer:
I have never heard nor read that the number 26 would be dangerous for anyone of any age. What has made you or your friend concerned about this number?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (42 minutes later)
Because the Dr wants the numbers higher and believes there could be an ulcer or internal bleeding
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hematocrit of 30 or Hemoglobin of 10 is cut off point for transfusion.

Detailed Answer:
I am assuming the number you are talking about is the Hematocrit? When you asked about "the number 26" I thought perhaps you were superstitious about numbers - I did not realize you were referring to a lab value.

Assuming you are referring to a blood test known as Hematocrit, yes, 26 is a concerning number. The general rule for the cut off number for when to give a transfusion is a Hematocrit at or below 30, which corresponds to a Hemoglobin at or below 10. This has to do with the concentration of red blood cells in the circulation.

If the Hematocrit or Hemoglobin are too low, a person is said to be anemic and there are not enough red blood cells which are important for carrying oxygen around the body.

If he has had several transfusions already and the Hematocrit is still below 30, then there is likely some source of blood loss going on in his body. He should be evaluated for blood loss both from the surgical sites and from the gastrointestinal tract. And yes, a transfusion is also appropriate.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (45 minutes later)
Thank you. you did answer my question. They are now looking for any internal bleeding or perhaps an ulcer. Could it be colon cancer?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Colon cancer is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, colon cancer or stomach ulcers are both possible. The bleeding from these usually cause a slow blood loss, but sometimes it can cause a significant drop in hematocrit/hemoglobin. The drop in hematocrit can also be bleeding from the areas where they did the surgery.

They should be able to sort out where the site of the bleeding is soon.

I hope he is feeling better soon.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Is Hematocrit Level Of 26 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: No, the number 26 would not be dangerous. Detailed Answer: I have never heard nor read that the number 26 would be dangerous for anyone of any age. What has made you or your friend concerned about this number?