What it means
Some prescribers have written HCT for hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid. ISMP lists this use as error-prone because HCT has been read as hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, and HCTZ, the short form for hydrochlorothiazide, has been read as hydrocortisone. Write the drug name in full. The warning is about drug names only: in lab results, Hct means hematocrithih-MAT-uh-kritA blood test that shows what share of the blood's volume is made up of red blood cells, given as a percentage.hemat/o blood-crit to separateFull entry , a different term with its own entry.
For the nurse
Do not use HCT or HCTZ for drug names in orders or records; write hydrocortisone or hydrochlorothiazide in full. Clarify any drug order that uses them before giving the drug.
Related terms
hematocrit
A blood test that shows what share of the blood's volume is made up of red blood cells, given as a percentage.
hydrocortisone
A corticosteroid drug that is the same as the body's own cortisol, given by mouth, IV, on the skin or rectally.