HEMATOCRIT (HCT) PACKED CELL VOLUME (PCV)
HEMATOCRIT (Hct) is the measurement of the solid portion (cells) of the blood which is affected by the number or mass of the cells.
Hct is increased in:
1. Erythrocytosis
2. Polycythemia vera
3. Shock
4. Thymus malfunction
Hct is decreased in:
1. Anemias
2. Anemia, which is caused via cell destruction, blood loss or a dietary vitamin B12/iron deficiency.
3. Hodgkin's disease and other lymphomas
4. Myeloproliferative diseases such as multiple myeloma and leukemia
5. Hemorrhage
6. Lupus erythematosus
7. Adrenal insufficiency such as Addison's disease
8. Rheumatoid arthritis
9. Chronic infection
10. Endocarditis
11. Spleen insufficiency