(Packed Cell Volume = PCV)

Hematocrit value

Definition:
It is the percentage ratio of red blood cells volume to volume of whole blood
volume i.e. red blood cells in 100 ml whole blood .
   
Normal values
46% in males

& 42 % in females

37% in children

& 54% in infants

 Steps:

1.Sterilize the finger then prick it with a lancet

2.withdraw blood into specific heparinized capillary tube

by capillary suction.
3. Close one end of the tube by wax.
4. Placed in a slot in the hematocrit centrifuge, wait for 7 minutes.
Female: 36-48%
Male: 40-52%
Read over the scale.

How?
Causes of increased PCV:
Physiological:
1. Adult males than adult female because of higher RBCs count.
2. Newly born infants than adult because infant Hb content is 19 gm/dl and
adult Hb is 14-16 gm/dl
3. High altitude because hypoxia stimulates formation of RBCs at high altitudes .
4. Venous blood than arterial blood because Of (chloride shift phenomenon).
Pathological:
1. polycythemia vera.
2. Dehydration, as in severe vomiting, diarrhea or in extensive burns.
Causes of decreased PCV:
1. Anemia
2. Hydration
Thank you