Basic Lab 1

Question 1

What are the four lab tests?

Answer 1

1. Packed cell volume (PCV)
2. Total plasma protein (TP)
3. Urine specific gravity
4. Urine dipstick test

Question 2

What does the PCV test do and why; and what DOESN’T it tell you?

Answer 2

• Measures the proportion of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells - the haematocrit.
• Used to monitor anaemic patients and can also give information about hydration.
• Does not tell you anything about the number, size, shape or functionality of RBCs.

Question 3

What does a TP test do and why?

Answer 3

• Uses a refractometer to measure the protein content of plasma.
• Can be useful in cases with infections or inflammatory conditions which may have high TP, and cases with gastrointestinal, liver and kidney diseases which may have low TP.