Which value would be most representative of a normal hematocrit in an arterial blood gas analysis?

The value that best represents a normal hematocrit level in an arterial blood gas analysis is typically around 38 mL/dL to 46 mL/dL, depending on the specific reference ranges used for different populations. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, which is crucial for assessing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

In adults, a normal hematocrit range is generally considered to be approximately 38% to 52% for men and 36% to 48% for women, which translates to about 38 mL/dL to 46 mL/dL. Choosing the higher end of this range can reflect an individual in good health, particularly if they are well-hydrated and not experiencing conditions that would cause dilution or concentration of red blood cells.

Values such as 16 mL/dL and 24 mL/dL are significantly below the normal range, indicating potential anemia or other issues affecting red blood cell production. Therefore, both of these lower values do not represent normal hematocrit levels. A value of 38 mL/dL, while technically within normal limits, may not reflect the optimal or ideal state one might expect in a healthy