PACKED CELL VOLUME Meaning and
Definition
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Packed cell volume, commonly abbreviated as PCV, refers to a quantitative measurement used in medical and veterinary fields to determine the proportion of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a given blood sample. It is a vital parameter in assessing the health status and functionality of the blood in both humans and animals.
The packed cell volume is obtained by centrifuging a blood sample, typically taken from a vein, in a specialized tube known as a hematocrit tube. Through centrifugation, the blood cells separate from the plasma, causing the red blood cells to aggregate at the bottom of the tube, forming a compacted mass or "pack". The PCV is then determined by dividing the length of the red blood cell layer by the total length of the blood column in the tube and multiplying by 100.
The packed cell volume is expressed as a percentage and provides valuable information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A low PCV may indicate anemia, blood loss, or other conditions associated with decreased red blood cell production or increased destruction. Conversely, a high PCV may suggest dehydration, polycythemia vera (abnormal increase in red blood cell production), or a condition known as hemoconcentration.
Overall, packed cell volume is an essential parameter in clinical practice. It assists healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring various blood disorders, evaluating response to treatment, and guiding therapeutic interventions for optimal patient care.
Common Misspellings for PACKED CELL VOLUME
- oacked cell volume
- lacked cell volume
- -acked cell volume
- 0acked cell volume
- pzcked cell volume
- pscked cell volume
- pwcked cell volume
- pqcked cell volume
- paxked cell volume
- pavked cell volume
- pafked cell volume
- padked cell volume
- pacjed cell volume
- pacmed cell volume
- pacled cell volume
- pacoed cell volume
- pacied cell volume
- packwd cell volume
- packsd cell volume
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