answersLogoWhite

0

PCV
Also known as: Packed cell volume; haematocrit
Related tests: Full blood count

This test is used to evaluate:

  • anaemia (decrease of red blood cells),
  • polycythaemia (increase in red blood cells),
  • dehydration,
  • blood transfusion decision, and
  • the effectiveness of those transfusions.

The PCV is normally requested as a part of the full blood count (FBC). It is also repeated at regular intervals for many conditions, including:
  • the diagnosis of anaemia,
  • the treatment of anaemia,
  • recovery from dehydration, and
  • monitoring of ongoing bleeding to check its severity.




A decreased PCV indicates anaemia, such as that caused by iron deficiency. Further testing may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the anaemia.

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).



Pregnancy usually causes a slightly decreased PCV due to extra fluid in the blood.

Living at high altitudes causes an increased PCV - this is your body's response to the decreased oxygen available at these heights.




User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Clinical significance of pleural recess?

clinical importance of pleural recess


Clinical significance in the treatment of homoeopathy?

koi to do iska answer


What is the difference between clinical significance and statistical significance?

look for a paper being published in "The Oncologist" later this year (2008)


What is the clinical significance of the appendix?

It was for when we was cavemen it was used to help the stomach digest the grass we ate :)


What are the clinical significance of creatinine?

Clinical importance of creatinine is the indicator of a good kidney function. High creatine means that the kidney is not filtering well or not in good function.


What is clinical significance of staphylococci isolated from sputum specimens?

Staphylococci isolated from sputum specimens can indicate a possible respiratory infection, particularly if accompanied by clinical symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Further assessment, such as antibiotic susceptibility testing and correlation with clinical findings, is needed to determine the significance and appropriate treatment of the infection.


What has the author Hannu Somer written?

Hannu Somer has written: 'Determination and clinical significance of creatine kinase isoenzymes in the serum'


What has the author William Arthur Burr written?

William Arthur Burr has written: 'Clinical significance of thyroxine - binding globulin'


What has the author Viktor Schilling written?

Viktor Schilling has written: 'The blood picture and its clinical significance' -- subject(s): Examination, Blood, Diagnosis


What has the author Elmer L Kuber written?

Elmer L. Kuber has written: 'The clinical significance of drug induced modifications of bun level determinations'


How do you change ford 500 PCV valve?

Disconnect the PCV valve tube from the PCV valve.Disconnect the PCV valve electrical connector if it has one.Turn the PCV valve counterclockwise to remove from the valve cover.To install, reverse the removal procedure.


How do you replace the PCV valve on your 1986 Chevrolet Nova?

Pull upward on the hose that the PCV valve is in. The PCV valve will pull out of the hose. The PCV valve is located in the valve cover.