PCV, or Packed Cell Volume, is a crucial component of a complete blood count (CBC) test used to evaluate a person's overall health. Understanding this test and its normal range is important for assessing various medical...
PCV, or Packed Cell Volume, is a crucial component of a complete blood count (CBC) test used to evaluate a person's overall health. Understanding this test and its normal range is important for assessing various medical conditions.
What Is a PCV Test?
The packed cell Volume(PCV) test is a part of routine blood tests and is used to measure and analyze the proportions of Red Blood cells in the body. This can be used to diagnose any underlying health condition and chronic diseases like anaemia and polycythemia
Why this test is required?
This test is usually required to diagnose various health conditions and as a routine health package for overall health analysis This test is required if
- If you notice symptoms like fatigue, weakness or frequent infections.
- Pregnant women should take PCV tests to monitor anaemia conditions.
- If you have certain medical conditions.
How to Prepare for this Test?
This test Does not require any special preparation, as it is a part of our routine blood test it only requires blood sample collection
The procedure for blood sample collection for this is:
- Firstly a phlebotomist will then tie a band around your arm and clean the area with a disinfectant.
- Once the vein is visible, they insert a sterilized needle to draw the blood.
- After withdrawal, the blood sample will be transferred to a vial for laboratory analysis
- When the needle is removed, the phlebotomist will apply a bandage over the punctured site.
Normal Range of PCV Test:
The normal range of PCV ranges between 35-48 per cent The range for Adult men is between 38.3 to 48.6 per cent, For adult women, it is 35.5 to 44.9 per cent.
The accuracy of the test results can be hindered by certain factors like
- Pregnancy
- Dehydration
- History of Blood Transfusion
- Blood loss due to trauma and injury
A lower and higher level of PCV than normal indicates many diseases that require immediate medical attention here is a list of possible risks caused by the High and low level of PCV in the tabulated form Below:
|
Test report |
Range |
Risk of Diseases |
|
High PCV level |
A level within 48 per cent |
-Dehydration-Polycythemia vera-Lung disease -Heart disease |
|
Low PCV level |
Level Below 35 percent |
Anemia-Leukemia-Lymphoma -Vitamin deficiency -Blood loss -Inflammatory diseases -Haemolysis -Kidney disease |
What Causes the Low & High Levels of PCV
The high and low levels of PCV can have different causes depending upon the condition of an individual and if the person is having any medical situation THe PCV level may rise or drop here are some of the causes for low and high PCV
Causes Low PCV Level
- Nutritional deficiencies- The deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folate, and other nutrients can cause anaemia
- Pregnancy- During pregnancy, plasma volume naturally increases, leading to a slight reduction in red blood cells and lower PCV.
- Chronic diseases- Kidney disease, liver disease, and autoimmune conditions can affect RBC production.
- Bone marrow disorders- Conditions like aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes can affect or disrupt RBC production.
- Hormonal imbalances- Conditions like Hypothyroidism can be the cause of low PCV
- Blood loss-Blood loss due to any trauma and injury or any chronic health condition can lead to low PCV
- Pregnancy- During pregnancy, plasma volume naturally increases, leading to a slight reduction in red blood cells and lower PCV.
- Hemolytic anaemia- It happens due to the premature breakdown of RBC which may be due to a genetic disorder or haemolytic disease
Causes of High PCV Level
- Polycythemia vera- This bone marrow disorder causes overproduction of RBCs, high PCV, and a thickening of the blood.
- Smoking- Smoking can thicken the blood by raising RBC production and decreasing plasma volume leading to high PCV
- Genetic disorders- In rare cases, certain genetic mutations can cause an increase in RBC production and elevate the PCV level
- Certain medications- Consumption of some medicines like anabolic steroids can raise PCV
Cost of the PCV test In Delhi
The cost of this test in Delhi ranges from 150 500-Rs but you may choose Ganesh Diagnostic which provides this test at an affordable price with a 50% discount.
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres located in Delhi that provides a 24*7*365 Days facility as well all the test results here are 100 per cent accurate helps patients to get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery to book online appointment Grab the opportunity.
We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the Best diagnostic centre.
Conclusion
PCV test is one of the most important parameters to measure the level of RBC in your blood and it gives complete information about the overall health of a person and can check for any underlying health condition, so if you have any kind of blood-related disorder your doctor may suggest you this tes under some health condition so get tested and treated well.
FAQs
What if my PCV is high?
High PCV shows high RBC production and may be a sign of dehydration, Heart disease or bone marrow disorder.
What if MY PCV is low?
A low PCV level could indicate a health condition, you may contact your doctor and get the necessary suggestions from them to know the exact cause.
Is this test safe?
Yes, this test is safe and requires only blood sample collection for examination.
What is the normal range of PCV?
The normal range of PCV is between 35. to 48. per cent in a healthy adult.
Which food can increase PCV levels?
Food containing Vitamin B7, Folic acid and Vitamin 12 can increase your PCV level up to normal range.
Can PCV be cured?
No PCV cannot be cured as it is an RBC disorder, it can only be managed through treatment and lifestyle changes.
