Hematocrit Value and Packed Cell Volume (P.C.V) Practical Lab Quiz

Packed Cell Volume (P.C.V) and Hematocrit Value (H.V)

• Packed cell volume (P.C.V.) represents the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
• Hematocrit value (H.V.) is defined as the proportion of blood that is composed of red blood cells, typically expressed as a percentage.
• Calculation of hematocrit value (H.V.) involves centrifuging blood samples to separate components, allowing measurement of the volume of red blood cells relative to total blood volume.

Clinical Importance of Hematocrit Value

• Hematocrit value (H.V.) is clinically significant as it helps diagnose conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and blood disorders.
• A low hematocrit may indicate insufficient red blood cells, while a high value could suggest dehydration or polycythemia.

Expression and Composition

• Hematocrit value (H.V.) is expressed as a percentage representing the volume of red blood cells in blood.
• The ratio of red blood cells' volume to total blood volume is represented as a percentage, typically ranging from 38% to 52% in healthy adults.

Blood Composition

• Blood comprises several types of cells: red blood cells (R.B.Cs), white blood cells (W.B.Cs), and platelets.

Definition and Calculation

• The term 'haematocrit' is used to refer to the same concept as hematocrit value; both denote the fraction of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells.
• Packed cell volume (P.C.V.) is calculated by centrifuging the blood, measuring the height of the red cell layer, and comparing it to the total height of the blood column.

Test your understanding of hematocrit value and packed cell volume in this practical lab quiz. Learn about the physiological principles of measurement, calculation, factors affecting hematocrit value, and its clinical significance.