The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Test 1. Objective: This is one of the oldest tests done in medical practice. The objective of this test was to determine the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood. It also helped to assess the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. ________________________________________ 2. Principle: The test was based on the principle that when blood was centrifuged, the red blood cells settled at the bottom of the tube, forming a packed column. The ratio of the packed RBC column to the total blood column gave the packed cell volume (PCV), expressed as a percentage. ________________________________________ 3. Materials: • Microhematocrit capillary tubes • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Plasticine or sealing clay • Microhematocrit reader • Lancet • Alcohol swab • Cotton ________________________________________ 4. Procedure (Microhematocrit Method): 1. The fingertip was cleaned with an alcohol swab and pricked with a sterile lancet. 2. Blood was collected into ...
PEOPLE IN HEALTHCARE! STOP SAYING “IT’S DOCTORS’ WORK” — LEARN IT. MASTER IT. ONE DAY, IT MAY SAVE A LIFE. You see that clinical skill you keep avoiding? That one you say “its not my work”? One day, you’ll be the only one standing between a patient and death… and your confidence, not your uniform, will make the difference. Here are key clinical skills everybody in healthcare should be at least fairly knowledgeable at — no shortcuts: 1. Cannulation & IV Line Setting Know your needles. Understand gauge sizes and color codes. Learn how to set a line like your life depends on it because one day, someone else’s might. 2. Lab Test Interpretation Don’t just carry results, try to understand them. What does a low hemoglobin mean? What are the signs of sepsis in lab values? Learn to think like a clinician. 3. Vital Signs with Critical Thinking It’s more than checking numbers. Know what they mean. A sudden drop in BP, a slight rise in pulse? these are signs. Train your eyes and your instincts...