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Microhematocrit Determination

Microhematocrit Determination. Microhematocrit. Hematocrit Test that provides a health care worker with an estimate of the patient’s red cell volume. Remember that the RBCs determine a person’s oxygen capacity. A hematocrit measurement is used to screen for anemia, blood

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Microhematocrit Determination

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  1. Microhematocrit Determination

  2. Microhematocrit • Hematocrit • Test that provides a health care worker with an estimate of the patient’s red cell volume. • Remember that the RBCs determine a person’s oxygen capacity. • A hematocrit measurement is used to screen for anemia, blood donation, evaluating therapies and treatment, as well as assessing blood loss. • A hematocrit can be measured manually (microhematocrit) or by using a hematology analyzer. • A hematocrit is included as part of a CBC (complete blood count).

  3. Microhematocrit • Microhematocrit • Test involves only a small amount of blood. • The test uses the separation of cellular components by centrifugation. • Whole blood is centrifuged in a capillary tube. • Red cells settle at the bottom with the buffy coat (WBCs and PLTs) resting just above the RBCs. • The remaining liquid is plasma. • The microhematocrit is determined by comparing the volume of RBCs to the total volume of the whole blood sample. • This number is expressed in a percentage. • A microhematocrit is also known as a crit or Hct.

  4. Microhematocrit Equipment/Reference Values • Microhematocrit Equipment • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Microhematocrit tubes • Capillary stick supplies • Hematocrit Reference Values • Like hemoglobin, hematocrit values differ based on age and gender. • Adult males range from 42-52 % • Adult females range from 36-48 % • Newborns range from 51-61 %

  5. Microhematocrit Reference Values • Hematocrit Values • Hematocrits below normal can point to…… • Anemia • Current bleeding • Hematocrits above normal can point to….. • Dehydration • Polycythemia • In a healthy person the hematocrit should be equal to the hemoglobin multiplied by 3. • Example: If you have a hemoglobin of 15 g/dL your hematocrit should be around 45%.

  6. Performing a Microhematocrit • Performing a Microhematocrit • The sample of blood can be collected from a capillary puncture or from an EDTA tube collected from a venipuncture. • Capillary blood should be collected into a heparinized capillary tube. • All blood needs to be mixed thoroughly. • Clay can be used to seal the capillary tube or self sealing tubes can be used instead. • Sealed tubes need to be centrifuged in a microhematocrit centrifuge.

  7. Reading a Microhematocrit • Reading a Microhematocrit • You can determine the percent of RBCs in the sample by using a microhematocrit reader.

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