What does hematocrit measure?

Hematocrit specifically measures the volume percentage of red blood cells in relation to the total volume of blood. This measurement is crucial because it helps in assessing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, as red blood cells are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen to various tissues. Analyzing hematocrit levels can provide important insights into an individual's health, revealing conditions such as anemia or polycythemia. By determining the proportion of red blood cells, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. The other options relate to different aspects of blood composition but do not accurately describe what hematocrit measures.