Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Sometimes known as the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in the volume % of red blood cells in peripheral blood. It is considered an integral part of the Full Blood Count and is a point of reference of the capability of the blood to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Anaemia refers to an abnormally low Haematocrit, as opposed to Polycythaemia which refers to an abnormally high Haematocrit. Normal levels are 45% for males and 40% for females
Specimen container paediatric:
Light Pink – EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Purple – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5mL
Minimum volume adult:
1.0mL
Special requirements:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
Reference ranges:
The following should be used only as a guide as patient specific age and sex related ranges are available electronically.
Male 0.400 – 0.500 L/L.
Female 0.360 – 0.460 L/L.
Other info:
As part of a full blood count.