PCV
Also known as: Packed cell volume; haematocrit
Related tests: Full blood count
This test is used to evaluate:
Other conditions that can result in a low PCV include vitamin or mineral deficiencies, recent bleeding, cirrhosis of the liver, and malignancies.
The most common cause of increased PCV is dehydration, and with adequate fluid intake, the PCV returns to normal. However, it may reflect a condition called polycythaemia vera-that is, when a person has more than the normal number of red blood cells due to a problem with the bone marrow . More commonly polycythaemia is a compensation for inadequate lung function (the bone marrow manufacturers more red blood cells in order to carry enough oxygen throughout your body).
Living at high altitudes causes an increased PCV - this is your body's response to the decreased oxygen available at these heights.
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