Haematocrit (PCV) lecture by Dr. Sayid fb.com/sayid88

1. Haematocrit / Packed cell volume (PCV)
• Def: PCV is the volume of RBC in relation to that
of whole blood.
• Hematocrit literally means blood separation.
• It expressed as the volume of red blood cells per
litre of whole blood.
• It may be also expressed as %.
Dr. SAYID

2. Haematocrit / Packed cell volume (PCV)
1. Macrohematocrit method (Wintrobe Method)
2. Microhematocrit method
Dr. SAYID

3. Components of Whole Blood
Withdraw blood
and place in tube
1 2 Centrifuge
Plasma
(55% of whole blood)
Formed
elements
WBC and platelets
(<1% of whole blood)
Erythrocytes
(45% of whole blood)
Dr. SAYID

4. Haematocrit –Normal value
Men
0.40 to 0.54 l/l (40 – 54%)
Women
0.37 to 0.47 l/l (37 – 47%)
Infant/child
0.30 to 0.43 l/l (30 - 43%)
Newborn
0.53 to 0.65 l/l (53 - 65%)
Dr. SAYID

5. High Hematocrit Level
Some factors may cause a rise in hematocrit value
such as:
• Polycythemia
• Heart or kidney problems
• Intake of anabolic steroids
• Dehydration
• Diarehea
• Lung problems
• Burns
• Smoking
• High altitudes Dr. SAYID

6. Low Hematocrit Levels
Low hemoglobin levels due to:
• Anemia
• Hemolysis
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Bleeding
• Pregnancy
Dr. SAYID

7. Indication of Hematocrit estimation
1. Screening test for anaemia
2. For calculation of red cell indices
Dr. SAYID