Diagnostic Laboratory Section

SIGNIFICANCE

• The PCV value is required for calculating erythrocytic indices
  • A fall in the PCV indicates bone marrow depression and anaemia.
  • PCV is increased in haemoconcentration and polycythaemia.
  • Even in anaemic status with extreme cases of haemoconcentration due to dehydration, PCV will be normal. So interpretation of PCV should be made taking into consideration, factors like dehydration.
  • The colour of the plasma layer should also be noted to find out certain clinical problem.
  • Plasma is icteric in haemolytic anaemia and liver diseases. It is colourless to pale in bone marrow depression and it is cream-like in lipaemic condition.