Hematocrit level is part of a standard blood work up that usually gets done for an annual physical. That said, doctors can order any tests they want. The test you want to be sure they include is: CBC with differential/platelet. Curiousity got the best of me with all this doping news and I looked up the results from my spring physical. recently I was 42.0%, but it has ranged as low as 37.5% over the years. However most of my blood tests have been drawn when I'm I'll or being monitored for safe drug use (perscribed) ie. liver function tests. I wonder what effect meds or illness have on HCT levels? FYI the reference interval or normal range usually cited on the report is 37.5-50%.

My question is what can be done with nutrition and other nondoping means to get a higher level?