Blood smear and PCV

By
DR. Faisal Ali
 Blood smear:
A blood smear is a blood test used to look for
abnormalities in blood cells. The three main blood cells
that the test focuses on are:
1. Red cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
2. White cells, which help your body, fight infections
and other inflammatory diseases.
3. Platelets, which are important for blood clotting.
4. The test provides information on the number and
shape of these cells, which can help doctors
diagnose certain blood disorders or other medical
conditions.
The blood smear test is often done to
diagnose conditions that are causing:

• Unexplained jaundice.
• Unexplained anemia (low levels of normal red
blood cells).
• Sudden weight loss.
• Severe infection.
• Skin rashes.
• Bone pain.
• Your doctor may order blood smear tests on a
regular basis if you’re being treated for a blood-
related condition.
Packed cell volume (PCV) Or
Haematocrit (HCT) value:-

Is the volume percentage (vol %) of red blood cells in 

blood. The hematocrit is usually determined by
spinning a blood-filled capillary tube in a centrifuge.
Procedure:

1. Fill two capillary tubes approximately three quarters full

with blood anti-coagulated with EDTA or heparin. Blood
for heparinized capillary tubes may be collected by
capillary puncture.
2. Seal the end of the tube with the colored ring with
nonabsorbent clay.
3. Balance the tubes in the centrifuge with the clay ends
facing the outside away from the center.
4. Centrifugation (5000-10000 rpm ad 2-5minute).
5. Determine the HCT by using a microhematocrit reading
device Read the level of RBC packing; do not include the
buffy coat (leukocytes and platelets when reading.
Sources of error and comments:

1. Improper sealing of the capillary tube causes a

decreased Hct reading as a result of loss of blood
during centrifugation.
2. The time and speed of the centrifugation.
3. The microhematocrit centrifuge should never be
forced to stop.
4. The buffy coat of the specimen should not be
included in the Hct reading.
Questions?