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Definition

noun

The proportion of blood occupied by red blood cells, usually expressed as a percentage of the total blood volume. It is determined by centrifuging heparinized blood in a capillary tube (a microhematocrit tube) at 10,000 RPM for five minutes to separate the blood into layers.

Supplement

An average (normal) value in men is 46% and in women is 38%.

Abbreviation: PCV.

Synonym: hematocrit, erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF).