Contributed by – Healthians Team
What is the PCV Hematocrit test?
Our blood is a mixture of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The PCV hematocrit test (also called packed cell volume test) aims to measure the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting inhaled oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body and also a small amount of carbon dioxide from cells to the lungs to be exhaled.
The results are expressed as a percentage or fraction of cells in the blood. For example, a PCV of 50% means that there are 50 millilitres of cells in 100 millilitres of blood. Any abnormal increase or decrease of red blood cells in the blood can indicate the presence of different medical conditions like dehydration or anaemia.
Who should get tested?
Usually, the PCV test is a part of the CBC (complete blood count) test. The doctor may ask for this test if symptoms of anaemia, dehydration, or polycythemia (an increase of RBCs) are suspected.
Why is the PCV Hematocrit test needed?
The proportion of red blood cells may be measured for the following reasons –
- As part of complete blood count test during regular health checkups
- To diagnose anaemia, dehydration, or polycythemia
- To determine the severity of diagnosed conditions
- To understand the efficacy of the treatment
- To determine if there’s a need for blood transfusion
What does PCV Hematocrit test results mean?
Generally, a normal range of PCV is considered to be 38.3% – 48.6% in men and 35.5% – 44.9% in women. However, this range can vary based on the age of the patient or if he/she lives at a high altitude. Besides, each lab can also have a slightly varied reference range.
If your test results show less than normal PCV number, then that could mean the following:
- Bleeding
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate, etc.)
- Certain inflammatory conditions
- Kidney diseases
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hemolysis
- Bone marrow disorder
Having higher than normal PCV could mean:
- Dehydration
- Certain lung or heart disease
- High alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Liver or kidney disease
- Certain tumours
- Rare inherited hemoglobins
How is the test done?
For the PCV test, a small amount of blood is needed which is usually drawn from a vein in the arm. The process is simple, quick, and usually painless. There’s no kind of preparation needed. But, inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions or medications you are taking as they can influence your test results.
