A routine hematocrit level is drawn on a newborn immediately after delivery and is found to be 68%.What might have contributed to this abnormally high hematocrit level?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Delayed cord clamping allows more blood to flow from the placenta to the newborn, increasing the number of red blood cells and therefore increasing the hematocrit level. This is a normal physiological response and not an indication of any disease or abnormality.

A Routine Hematocrit Level Is Drawn on a Newborn Immediately