# PCV - Haematocrit
Blood is a mixture of cells and plasma. Packed cell volume (PCV) is a measurement of the proportion of blood that is made up of cells. This test is usually requested as a part of a full blood count. It is used to diagnose or evaluate anemia (decrease in RBCs), polycythemia (increase in RBCs), or dehydration.
PCV- HEMATOCRIT:
HCT (Haematocrit) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) is a part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) profile. This regular blood check-up measures different elements (Red Blood cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets) of the blood. This common blood test is conducted to diagnose issues related to blood such as decreased RBC-anaemia& increased RBC - polycythemia).
CLINICAL INFORMATION :
This test is usually done for usually during dehydration when PCVraises either when the number of red blood cells increases or when the total blood volume is reduced. And also during anemia when PCVfalls indicating anemia either due to reduced production of RBCs or destruction of RBCs. This test is suggested in patients with symptoms of tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, etc., due to anemia or dehydration. Other associated tests include microhematocrit (Wintrobes method), microhematocrit, and electric method, etc.
General instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample drawn from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory “RTDIAGNOSTICS” provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centers to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
