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Mathew 213

The hematocrit test measures the proportion of red blood cells to total blood volume and is used to evaluate health and detect conditions like anemia. Blood is drawn, centrifuged to separate components, and the packed red blood cell height is measured as a percentage of total blood height. Abnormal levels can indicate anemia or polycythemia from issues like iron deficiency, dehydration, or diseases.

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38 views1 page

Mathew 213

The hematocrit test measures the proportion of red blood cells to total blood volume and is used to evaluate health and detect conditions like anemia. Blood is drawn, centrifuged to separate components, and the packed red blood cell height is measured as a percentage of total blood height. Abnormal levels can indicate anemia or polycythemia from issues like iron deficiency, dehydration, or diseases.

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Temitope mathew
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The hematocrit test, also known as packed cell volume (PCV) test, is a common blood test that

measures the proportion of red blood cells (erythrocytes) to the total volume of blood. It's a
simple and important diagnostic tool used in medicine to evaluate a person's overall health and to
detect conditions such as anemia, polycythemia, and dehydration.

Here's how the test is typically conducted:

 Blood Sample Collection: A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood
from a vein in your arm using a needle and syringe.

 Centrifugation: The blood sample is then placed in a tube and centrifuged at high speed.
Centrifugation causes the heavier red blood cells to settle to the bottom of the tube,
while the lighter components such as plasma rise to the top.

 Measurement: After centrifugation, the hematocrit level is determined by measuring the


height of the packed red blood cells relative to the total height of the blood in the tube.
This is usually expressed as a percentage.

A normal hematocrit level varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and altitude, but in
general:

 For adult males, a normal range is typically between 40% to 54%.

 For adult females, a normal range is usually between 36% to 48%.

Abnormal hematocrit levels can indicate various health conditions:

 Low Hematocrit (Anemia): Indicates a lower than normal concentration of red blood
cells, which may suggest conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency
anemia, chronic diseases, or excessive bleeding.

 High Hematocrit (Polycythemia): Indicates a higher than normal concentration of red


blood cells, which may suggest conditions such as dehydration, lung or heart disease,
bone marrow disorders, or polycythemia vera.

Your healthcare provider will interpret your hematocrit test results in conjunction with other
clinical information to diagnose and manage any underlying conditions.

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