Microhematocrit Centrifuge Unit 34 Microhematocrit Centrifuge

Basic Principles of Reading a Microhematocrit Centrifuge A hematocrit (Hct) is a blood test that measures the volume or percent of erythrocytes (red blood cells or RBCs) in the blood. A microhematocrit centrifuge is an instrument that is used to calculate hematocrit.

Basic Principles of Reading a Microhematocrit Centrifuge A microhematocrit centrifuge spins a tube or tubes of blood at 10,000 revolutions per minute with a centrifugal (driving away from the center) force. This force separates the blood into three main layers: red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

Basic Principles of Reading a Microhematocrit Centrifuge By using the graphic reading device on the microhematocrit centrifuge, the percentage of RBCs can be measured. An average value for adults is 35% to 45% for women and 40% to 55% for men. The scale on the microhematocrit centrifuge is in percent (%). The numbers represent 0% to 100%. Each line represents 1%.

Basic Principles of Reading a Microhematocrit Centrifuge

Microhematocrit Centrifuge Example: The Example graphic reading on the microhematocrit centrifuge shown on the previous slide is 3 lines above the 40% mark. What is the reading? Each line represents 1%: Therefore: 40 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 43% Remember that the reading should always contain the percent sign.

Practical Problem The graphic reading on a microhematocrit centrifuge is 4 lines above the 50 mark. What is the reading?

Practical Problem Each line equals 1%, so add: 50 + 4 = 54% The correct reading is 54%.