Microhaematocrit

Microhaematocrit is a method for determining the number of red blood cells in a patient's blood. This method is based on the principle of separating blood into layers as a result of centrifugation.

To perform a microhematocrit, capillary blood taken from a finger is placed in a special thin tube, which is then placed in a centrifuge. As the tube rotates, the blood begins to separate into three layers: the top layer is plasma, the middle layer is white blood cells and platelets, and the bottom layer is red blood cells.

After centrifugation of the microhematocrit is completed, the tube is removed from the centrifuge and its contents are assessed using a special microscope. The number of red blood cells is determined by measuring the ratio of the length of the layer of red blood cells to the length of the entire column of blood in a test tube. This ratio is expressed as a percentage and is called hematocrit.

Microhematocrit is an important and fairly accurate method for determining the number of red blood cells in the blood. This method is widely used in medical laboratories to diagnose various diseases associated with disturbances in the number and properties of blood cells.

It is important to note that microhematocrit is not the only method for determining the number of red blood cells in the blood, and can sometimes give inaccurate results. Therefore, if necessary, other studies are additionally carried out, such as a general blood test, biochemical blood test and other diagnostic methods.

Microhematocrit is an indicator that allows you to estimate the number of red blood cells in a patient’s blood. This method is used to diagnose various diseases such as anemia, thrombocytopenia and others.

Microhematocrit is determined by placing a blood sample into a thin tube, which is then centrifuged. As a result of this process, the red blood cells settle at the bottom of the tube, and the plasma remains at the top. The volume of plasma is then measured and divided by the volume of blood contained in the tube.

Microhematocrit is an important indicator in the diagnosis of many diseases associated with impaired blood formation. For example, in anemia, the level of red blood cells decreases, which leads to a decrease in blood volume and a decrease in microhematocrit. With thrombocytopenia, on the contrary, the number of platelets decreases, which can also lead to a decrease in microhematocrit and other symptoms.

Thus, microhematocrit is an important diagnostic tool that helps doctors assess the patient's blood condition and identify possible problems.

Microhematocrit and hematocrit level and mean erythrocyte volume

Microhematocrit or erythrocrit level determines the number of red blood cells in the blood plasma per μl. To determine microhematocrit, blood samples are taken and placed in special centrifuge tubes. Then the tubes are centrifuged, and the corresponding content of red blood cells is determined from the volume of remaining liquid in the tube.

The analysis also helps determine the mean volume of one red blood cell (MCV), which decreases as blood volume increases due to dehydration or various inflammatory processes. CTV indicators are important for donor selection, for predicting possible pregnancy complications, etc.