Hemoglobin (Hb) or Hematocrit (Hct) Measurement Per Dialysis Session

What This Test Measures

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Hematocrit (Hct) is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. These levels are critical for assessing how well your body is receiving oxygen and how effectively your dialysis is functioning. During dialysis, waste and fluid are filtered out, so your levels may change after each session.

Why It Matters During Dialysis

Dialysis patients often have lower than normal hemoglobin or hematocrit levels due to kidney disease, which can cause anemia. Measuring these levels helps healthcare providers adjust your dialysis settings to ensure you’re receiving adequate oxygen and avoiding complications like fatigue or shortness of breath.

How It’s Performed

A small blood sample is taken from your arm or other vein after each dialysis session. The sample is sent to a lab where hemoglobin and hematocrit are measured using standard laboratory techniques. This helps track trends over time rather than just a single snapshot.

What the Results Mean

Results may show whether your hemoglobin or hematocrit levels are stable or need adjustment. For example, consistently low levels might indicate your dialysis isn’t removing enough waste or fluid, while high levels could signal dehydration or other issues. Your healthcare team will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.