Hematocrit is another term for packed cell volume.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not related
• D. Only used in certain species

Answer: (A)

Hematocrit and packed cell volume describe the same measurement: the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, expressed as a percentage. After centrifugation, plasma sits on top and the red cells pack at the bottom; the hematocrit/PCV is the height of that red cell layer relative to the total blood column, shown as a percent. Because they are the same quantity, the statement is true and these terms are used interchangeably in practice, especially in veterinary labs. While normal values vary by species, the concept of measuring the red cell fraction of blood remains constant.