Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the correct definition of hematocrit?
Which of the following is the correct definition of hematocrit?
- The percentage of platelets in the total blood volume.
- The measure of the ratio of the volume occupied by plasma to the volume of whole blood.
- The percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. (correct)
- The measure of the ratio of the volume occupied by white blood cells to the volume of whole blood.
In a complete blood count (CBC) test, what other parameters are typically assessed along with hematocrit (PCV)?
In a complete blood count (CBC) test, what other parameters are typically assessed along with hematocrit (PCV)?
- Hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count. (correct)
- Blood glucose and hormone levels.
- Coagulation factors and lipid profile.
- Electrolyte and enzyme levels.
Which of the following is NOT a common reason for ordering a hematocrit test?
Which of the following is NOT a common reason for ordering a hematocrit test?
- To evaluate anemia.
- To screen for dietary deficiencies. (correct)
- To assess response to treatment.
- To monitor dehydration.
What does PCV (Packed Cell Volume) specifically measure in a blood sample?
What does PCV (Packed Cell Volume) specifically measure in a blood sample?
Which of the following methods for estimating hematocrit involves a shorter centrifugation time and better packing of red cells?
Which of the following methods for estimating hematocrit involves a shorter centrifugation time and better packing of red cells?
A patient's hematocrit level is outside the generally accepted range. Which factor could influence the interpretation of this result?
A patient's hematocrit level is outside the generally accepted range. Which factor could influence the interpretation of this result?
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be associated with low hematocrit levels?
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be associated with low hematocrit levels?
What condition is most likely indicated by high hematocrit levels?
What condition is most likely indicated by high hematocrit levels?
Why is it important to know if a patient has recently had a blood transfusion before performing a hematocrit test?
Why is it important to know if a patient has recently had a blood transfusion before performing a hematocrit test?
What effect might living at a high altitude have on a person's hematocrit levels?
What effect might living at a high altitude have on a person's hematocrit levels?
Which of the following is important for ensuring the quality and accuracy of hematocrit testing?
Which of the following is important for ensuring the quality and accuracy of hematocrit testing?
Incomplete packing during centrifugation can lead to errors in hematocrit testing. What is the primary cause of this?
Incomplete packing during centrifugation can lead to errors in hematocrit testing. What is the primary cause of this?
To avoid errors when reading hematocrit results, which of the following is recommended?
To avoid errors when reading hematocrit results, which of the following is recommended?
Hemolysis or clotting of samples can affect hematocrit test results. How should these factors be managed?
Hemolysis or clotting of samples can affect hematocrit test results. How should these factors be managed?
How soon after collection should a blood sample for microhematocrit or PCV measurements be centrifuged to ensure the most accurate results?
How soon after collection should a blood sample for microhematocrit or PCV measurements be centrifuged to ensure the most accurate results?
Which of the following materials is NOT typically required for performing a manual hematocrit test?
Which of the following materials is NOT typically required for performing a manual hematocrit test?
A newborn has a hematocrit level of 50%. How should this result be interpreted?
A newborn has a hematocrit level of 50%. How should this result be interpreted?
A male patient has a hematocrit level of 38%. What does this indicate?
A male patient has a hematocrit level of 38%. What does this indicate?
A female patient has a hematocrit level of 50%. How would you assess this result?
A female patient has a hematocrit level of 50%. How would you assess this result?
If a patient sample is not centrifuged within 6 hours, what error potential could happen?
If a patient sample is not centrifuged within 6 hours, what error potential could happen?
Flashcards
Hematocrit (Hct)
Hematocrit (Hct)
The percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume; also known as packed cell volume (PCV).
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A comprehensive blood test that includes hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and other parameters.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
A measure of the ratio of the volume occupied by red blood cells to the volume of whole blood.
Microhematocrit Method
Microhematocrit Method
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Wintrobe Hematocrit Method
Wintrobe Hematocrit Method
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Normal Hematocrit Values
Normal Hematocrit Values
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Causes of Low Hematocrit
Causes of Low Hematocrit
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Causes of High Hematocrit
Causes of High Hematocrit
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Factors Affecting Hct Results
Factors Affecting Hct Results
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Sources of Error in Hct Testing
Sources of Error in Hct Testing
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Materials for Hematocrit Testing
Materials for Hematocrit Testing
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Study Notes
- A hematocrit test, also known as packed cell volume (PCV) or Hct, measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.
- Red blood cells are essential for overall health
- The hematocrit test may be performed if there are too few or too many red blood cells.
- A hematocrit (PCV) test is included as part of a complete blood count (CBC).
- Other tests in a CBC include hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count.
Purpose of Hematocrit Test
- Helps diagnose medical conditions and monitors the body's response to treatments
- Commonly used to test for anemia, leukemia, dehydration, and dietary deficiencies
How Hematocrit is Determined
- PCV measures the ratio of red cell volume to whole blood volume in capillary, venous, or arterial blood samples.
- It is an easily obtained measure for detecting anemia or polycythemia.
Methods to Estimate Hematocrit
- Microhematocrit tube method: a popular micro-method that offers shorter centrifugation time and better red cell packing
- Wintrobe hematocrit method: a macro method
- The normal hematocrit levels depend on gender and age
- Children ages 15 and under have a separate set of ranges
Normal Hematocrit Values
- Males: 40%-54%
- Females: 36%-47%
- Newborns: 55-68%
Low Hematocrit Levels
- May indicate bone marrow diseases, chronic inflammatory disease, or nutrient deficiencies (iron, folate, or vitamin B-12)
- Can be a sign of internal bleeding, hemolytic anemia, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell anemia
High Hematocrit Levels
- May indicate congenital heart disease, dehydration, or kidney tumor
- Can be a sign of lung diseases or polycythemia
Clinical Considerations for Hematocrit Test
- Inform the healthcare provider if there was a recent blood transfusion or if pregnancy occurs
- Pregnancy can lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels due to increased bodily fluids
- Living at high altitudes can elevate hematocrit levels due to reduced oxygen in the air
Sources of Error and Quality Control
- Incomplete packing of blood cells can result from insufficient centrifugation; centrifuges should be checked regularly
- Incorrect reading of results can be avoided by using a magnifying glass with the reading device
- Hemolysis or clotting of samples should be controlled
- Blood samples for microhematocrit or PCV measurements should be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection
Materials Needed
- Capillary tubes
- Centrifuge
- Clay sealing
- Hematocrit reader
- Micropipettes
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