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Step 1
Consider the normal results in general for men to be between 41 and 52 percent. For women, normal is between 35 and 47 percent. These are general measures because labs will read the results differently. Other factors such as altitude and health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis, must be taken into consideration.
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Step 2
Determine the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume by using an automated machine. Many of the blood tests are fully automated. The results are read based on the amount of hemoglobin and the average volume of red blood cells rather than directly measuring the hematocrit.
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Step 3
Choose to use a manual method known as centrifuge to calculate the level of hematocrit. The centrifuge machine spins the tube of blood at such a force that the red cells are separated to the bottom of the tube. The percentage of red cells is measured by visually observing the tube.
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Step 4
Read low hematocrit levels as possible anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation from arthritis can cause the secretion of a protein that affects the way iron is metabolized. Anemia may be present as a result of the loss of iron in the blood.
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Step 5
Compare an abnormal hematocrit level with any abnormal readings in the hemoglobin and platelets when considering anemia a result of arthritis. You may require a test such as MCV, MCHC or MCH, which indicate the specific hemoglobin content and size of each red cell. These help define the root cause of anemia.
