What is the packed cell volume also known as?

The packed cell volume is also known as hematocrit. This term refers to the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. In laboratory medicine, hematocrit is a critical measurement used to assess red blood cell mass, which can help diagnose conditions such as anemia, polycythemia, and hydration status.

Understanding the hematocrit is important in veterinary and laboratory animal medicine, as it provides insight into the overall health of the animal and can guide treatment decisions. The other options listed are important components of blood analysis but serve different purposes: blood urea nitrogen assesses kidney function, hemoglobin concentration measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, and serum albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and is an indicator of liver function and nutritional status. Each of these measures contributes to a comprehensive understanding of an animal’s health, but they are distinct from the concept of packed cell volume or hematocrit.