How to Calculate a PCV without a Microhematocrit Capillary Tube Reader with Amanda Shelby

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Free for Elite Members

November 2024

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, Amanda M. Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) demonstrates how to calculate a packed cell volume (PCV) without a microhematocrit capillary tube reader. Imagine, you have a patient that is challenging to obtain a blood sample. You collect what you think is enough blood to fill a microhematocrit tube for a PCV.  Following processing the microhematocrit tube in a centrifuge, what do you do when there isn’t enough in the tube to use the microhematocrit capillary tube reader chart to determine the patient’s PCV? Calculate it!

Obtaining a PCV is a simple, affordable, diagnostic routinely performed on veterinary patients to assess for potential anemia and to assist in establishing hydration status. Required supplies are minimal—a centrifuge, syringe/needle, microhematocrit tube, clay and some patience while the microhematocrit tube processes at 10,000 RPM for 3-5 minutes. Once the centrifuge is finished, some would argue those handy microhematocrit readers are a necessity but think again!

PCV is simply the cellular portion represented as a percent of the whole sample. This means that in the event you cannot find the microhematocrit reader, find a ruler (best with centimeter graduations) and complete these simple steps:

  1. Measure the complete length of the blood sample in the processed microhematocrit tube.
  2. Measure the portion of the cellular component from proximal clay boarder to buffy coat.
  3. Calculate what percentage the cellular portion is of the whole sample by dividing the cellular portion length by the whole sample length. Multiple this value by 100 to convert to a percent.

There you have it, the patient’s PCV.

Perhaps you would like to learn more about performing a PCV and TP in patients. Check out this VETgirl video HERE.

Learn more about the importance of PCV/TP in veterinary medicine by checking out this VETgirl blog HERE.

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