What is involved in the manual hematocrit method?

The manual hematocrit method involves measuring the total height of the blood sample in a capillary tube and the height of the red cell layer after centrifugation. This process allows for the determination of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, which is expressed as a percentage. By comparing the height of the packed red cells to the total height of the blood sample, laboratory professionals can accurately assess the hematocrit level.

This method is fundamental in clinical laboratories because it provides crucial information regarding a patient's red blood cell volume, which is important for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and polycythemia. Understanding the hematocrit level is vital to patient care, as it aids in interpreting various hematological and physiological states.