Packed cell volume (PCV), haematocrit (Hct)

Last updated: Friday, 30, April, 2004

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Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood in EDTA tube.

2 mL in special paediatric EDTA tube.

Method

Part of FBC.

Derived measurement (Hct) on automated, semi-automated instruments.

Direct measurement (PCV) by centrifugation.

Reference Interval

Some variation with method.

Infant: term-cord blood: 0.44-0.64

Child 
3 months: 0.32-0.44 
3-6 years: 0.36-0.44
10-12 years: 0.37-0.45

Adult female: 0.37-0.47         
Adult male: 0.40-0.54.

Application

Assessment of anaemia and erythrocytosis.

Monitor haemodilution and haemoconcentration.

Interpretation

PCV is reduced in anaemia, increased in erythrocytosis.

In patients with erythrocytosis the PCV correlates with blood viscosity.

Reference

Dacie JV and Lewis SM. Practical Haematology. 8th ed. Churchill Livingstone 1995.