5 Questions
What is the principle behind determining the packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit (HCT)?
The R.B.Cs are packed towards the bottom of the tube by the centrifuge force and reading of the pack cells in percentage.
What is the purpose of performing a hematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV) test?
To diagnose anaemia and polycythaemia, and it is included in the complete blood count (CBC).
What is used to seal the capillary tube after collecting the blood for hematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV) test?
Clay
How is the value determined using a microhematocrit reader?
By holding the tube against the scale so that the bottom of the red cell is matched with the 0 (zero) line of the card.
At what speed and for how long is centrifugation done for a microhematocrit test?
$10000$ rpm for 5 minutes
Study Notes
Determining Packed Cell Volume (PCV) or Hematocrit (HCT)
- The principle behind determining PCV or HCT is to measure the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
- The purpose of performing a PCV or HCT test is to evaluate the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, which is essential in diagnosing and monitoring anemia, polycythemia, and blood loss.
Sample Preparation
- A capillary tube is used to collect the blood sample.
- The capillary tube is sealed with clay or a sealant after collecting the blood.
Measuring PCV or HCT using a Microhematocrit Reader
- The microhematocrit reader is used to determine the PCV or HCT value.
- The value is determined by reading the proportion of red blood cells from the separator line in the microhematocrit reader.
Centrifugation
- Centrifugation is done at a speed of approximately 10,000-12,000 rpm for 5 minutes to separate the blood components.
- The centrifugation process is necessary to pack the red blood cells at the bottom of the capillary tube, allowing for accurate measurement of PCV or HCT.
Learn about the haematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV) test, which measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Understand the principle behind the test and its applications in diagnosing conditions such as anaemia and polycythaemia.
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