MikrohämatokritMessung

MikrohämatokritMessung refers to the microhematocrit method for determining the packed cell volume (PCV) in a blood sample. This is a common laboratory technique used to measure the proportion of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.

The procedure involves collecting a small amount of blood, typically from a finger prick or a venipuncture, into a small capillary tube. These tubes are usually coated with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. The capillary tube is then sealed at one end and placed in a specialized centrifuge designed for microhematocrit tubes.

The centrifuge spins the blood at high speed for a specific duration. This centrifugal force separates the blood into its components: red blood cells at the bottom, a thin white layer called the buffy coat (containing white blood cells and platelets) in the middle, and plasma at the top.

After centrifugation, the packed cell volume is measured. This is done by comparing the height of the red blood cell column to the total height of the blood column (red blood cells, buffy coat, and plasma) using a ruler or a specialized microhematocrit reader. The result is expressed as a percentage or a fraction.

The microhematocrit measurement is a quick and simple diagnostic test. It is frequently used in veterinary medicine and in certain clinical settings for its speed and low sample volume requirement. Elevated or decreased PCV values can indicate various medical conditions such as anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia.