How do you run a packed cell volume test?

Open the blood sample and place the capillary tubes in it. Tilt the sample to about 45 degrees to assist filling of the tubes. Once the tubes are about 2/3 full, place your finger over the open end before removing them from the blood sample (this helps to prevent air bubbles forming in the other end of the tube).

What is the normal volume of PCV?

Published data from Europe and North America indicate that for non-iron-deficient adult Caucasian males, the normal mean packed cell volume (PCV) is 0.46 and the 2.5-97.5 percentile interval is 04.0-0.53. Corresponding values for adult Caucasian females are: mean PCV 0.42; 2.5-97.5 percentile interval 0.36-0.48.

Why is PCV lower in females?

The sex difference in mean venous haemoglobin levels and red cell mass is generally considered to be caused by a direct stimulatory effect of androgen in men in the bone marrow in association with erythropoietin, a stimulatory effect of androgen on erythropoietin production in the kidney, and an inhibitory effect of …

What does packed cell volume indicate?

The packed cell volume (PCV) is a measurement of the proportion of blood that is made up of cells. The value is expressed as a percentage or fraction of cells in blood. For example, a PCV of 40% means that there are 40 millilitres of cells in 100 millilitres of blood.

What causes low packed cell volume?

A lower than normal hematocrit can indicate: An insufficient supply of healthy red blood cells (anemia) A large number of white blood cells due to long-term illness, infection or a white blood cell disorder such as leukemia or lymphoma. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Why Hb is more in male than female?

Men have slightly higher levels of hemoglobin, and this is thought to be due to the stimulatory effect of androgens on the bone marrow.

When should PCV be tested?

PCV

If your doctor suspects that you have anaemia (too few red blood cells), polycythaemia (too many red blood cells), or dehydration.
As part of a full blood count (FBC), a general blood screening test which may be requested for a variety of reasons.

Is 29 PCV normal for pregnant woman?

PCV less than 30% (or hemoglobin less than 10.0 g/ dL) was considered to be anemia in pregnancy. The severity of anemia was classified as follows: mild (PCV 27-29%), moderate (PCV 19-26%), and severe (PCV below 19%).