Packed Cell Volume (Noun)
Meaning
The ratio of the volume occupied by packed red blood cells to the volume of the whole blood as measured by a hematocrit.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- A low packed cell volume may indicate anemia, a condition where the body doesn't have enough red blood cells.
- To measure a person's packed cell volume, a healthcare professional collects a sample of blood and centrifuges it.
- The packed cell volume in healthy adults is usually between 35% and 50%, with women typically having lower levels.
- An abnormally high packed cell volume can be a sign of dehydration or a condition causing an overproduction of red blood cells.
- The packed cell volume test helps diagnose and monitor blood disorders such as anemia, polycythemia, and leukopenia.