Hematocrit

Blood has both a liquid component (PLASMA) and a particulate component (blood cells). If a blood sample is spun in a centrifuge (shown left), the components are separated by density. With the cellular component being more dense, cells are packed at the bottom of the tube. White cells and platelets are less dense than RBCs, and will form a white band between the red erythrocyte layer below and the yellow plasma layer on top.

The fraction of the column composed of red blood cells relative to the entire column is called the

hematocrit. This number is

normally in the range of 40%. A hematocrit of say 20% would mean there are fewer red blood cells in the sample. Since RBCs carry oxygen to tissues, this would mean bodily tissues are being starved of oxygen. A high hematocrit is much less common.

What are some potential causes of a low hematocrit? What might you expect in terms of symptoms from a person with a low hematocrit? What would you think is going on if the hematocrit was 40% (normal), but the band of white blood cells and platelets represented a significantly higher portion of the sample?

Hematocrits from 3 patients are shown. You must help diagnose them.

One of them has an infection. Which one is it, and why do you suspect this?

Which of these three samples could be considered normal? Explain.

Which of these patients might be considered anemic? Why?