Packed Cell Volume and Total Solids Flashcards
What is packed cell volume?
AKA hematocrit; the percentage of blood composed of red blood cells PCV or HCT as percentage
What is total protein?
AKA total solids; the measure of the protein concentration in plasma (or serum); expressed as g/dL (grams per deciliter)
What equipment is needed for a PCV?
- Fresh or anticoagulated blood
- Microhematocrit tube and clay
- Centrifuge
- Hematocrit reading card
- Refractometer
Where do you read the percent of a PCV?
Where the buffy coat and cells meet; where the clay meets the red cells is your baseline
What is the normal PCV of a cat?
25-45%
What is the normal PCV of cattle?
25-45%
What is the normal PCV of a horse?
30-55%
What is the normal PCV of a dog?
35-55%
What does a low PCV indicate?
Anemia, which is an absolute indication, or overhydration with is a relative indication
What does a high PCV indicate?
Polycythemia (over production of RBC), which is an absolute indication, or dehydration which is an absolute indication
What should be noted about the plasma?
The color; dog and cat should be clear to light yellow, herbivores should be dark yellow due to ingested chlorophyll
What does a dark yellow plasma mean?
Billirubenemia
What does a pink or red plasma mean?
Hemolysis
What does a white or cloudy plasma mean?
Lipema or fat in the blood
What animals may present with lipemia plasma?
Mini schnauzers or animals that have eaten before a blood draw
How many WBC does 1mm of the buffy coat equal?
10,000 WBC or 1-2%
What is the proper technique for total protein?
- Split hematocrit tube above buffy coat
- Empty plasma onto refractometer cover
- Read TP as g/dL
What is the normal TP range?
6.0-8.0 species wide
What does a high TP indicate?
Dehydration or infection
What does a low TP indicate?
Overhydration or protein loss
Where can protein loss occur?
The kidneys, liver, gut, or from hemorrhage
