Hematocrit (Hct)

(Packed Cell Volume; PCV)

Objectives:

To:
1.Learn about the principle of haematocrit determination.
2.State the clinical importance of the test.
3.Give the normal values of haematocrit in men and women.
4.List the abnormal variations in haematocrit value.
5.Perform microhaematocrit method manually in the lab.
Blood Components
Components of Blood
 Definition of hematocrit: % of RBCs to the whole
volume of blood.
 Principle:
Separate the heavy and light
substances in blood.
Importance of determining hematocrit

 Measurement of hematocrit or packed cell volume

(PCV) is the most accurate and simplest of all tests in
clinical hematology for detecting the presence and
degree of anemia or polycythemia.
 Methods of Determination

1. Macrohematocrit Method (Wintrobe

Method):
- Large volume of blood is needed.
- Venous blood is used.
2. Microhematocrit Method:
- Advantages of using less time and labor.
- Requires less blood or finger puncture.
- Useful in pediatric patients and burn patients.
3. Automated techniques.
Macrohematocrit(Wintrobe) Method
Microhematocrit Method
 Normal values:
- Adult males  42 – 52 % (mean 47%)
- Adult females  37 – 47 % (mean 42%)
- PCV for newborns is about 50 %
 Normal Variations in Hematocrit Values

 Age.
 Gender.
 Altitude.
 Abnormal Variations in Hematocrit Values

Lower Than Normal Values Higher Than Normal Values

 Anemia due to Blood loss (hemorrhage)  Polycythemia, (RBCs are produced in

or hemolysis of blood cells. great numbers).

 Overhydration or increased plasma  Dehydration or decreased plasma

levels (e.g. pregnancy). volume.
Principle:

A volume of uncoagulated blood is

centrifuged at high speed in a capillary
tube. The level of packed cell is read
directly from the graphic reader, and the
reading is expressed as a percentage
(%).
Apparatus and Materials…

 Capillary tubes , heparenized.

 Microhaematocrit centrifuge.
 Microhaematocrit reader.
 Sealing clay.
 Alcohol swabs.
 Sterile lancets.
 Cotton balls.
Procedure…

 Perform a sterile skin puncture and draw blood

sample into the heparinised capillary tube.
 Fill three-quarters of the tube.
 Holding tube horizontally, press filled end into
sealing clay to plug end.
 Lie the tube in the centrifuge.
 Turn on centrifuge to speed 6, run for 5 minutes and
then turn off.
 When rotation has stopped, remove tube and take
your readings.
1

3
4

6
Determine haematocrite value
CBC Test