Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
Test
Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
Also known as the hematocrit test, the packed cell volume (PCV) test measures the total number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This test is often incorporated as part of several routine blood tests and is commonly carried out to monitor response to treatment, estimate the need for blood transfusions, etc.
Since blood is a mixture of plasma and cells, an ideal PCV is 50% which means 50 ml of cells are present in 100 ml of blood. A low PCV implies that the patient has a low count of red blood cells and is suffering from anemia. This test can also be used to diagnose polycythemia or dehydration in patients.
Test Table
| Test Parameter | Sample | Methodology | Temp. | Schedule | Reporting | Price (INR) | Clinical Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packed Cell Volume(PCV) | WB-EDTA (3 ml) | Calculated | A | Daily | 4 Hours | 120 | Elevated in dengue shock syndrome. |