Chapter 18, Problem 1CYU

Summary Introduction

To review:

The hematocrit and its normal value.

Introduction:

Blood is the main unit of the circulatory system of the human body. This fluid connective tissue is associated with the task of transportation of various elements and gases throughout the body. The blood has various components which has amounts that may vary based on the factors such as gender and age.

Explanation of Solution

About 8% mass of the human body is composed of blood. The volume of blood in an adult man is about 5-6 liters and in an adult woman, it is around 4-5 liters. When the blood sample is centrifuged, the heavier elements settle down due to centrifugal force, and the plasma gets accumulated at the top of the centrifugal tube.

The red mass at the base of the centrifugal tube consists of erythrocytes or red blood cells. The blood volume percentage that is composed of red blood cells is termed as hematocrit and it averages about 45%. The hematocrit value in a healthy man is about 47% ±5%, while it is about 42%±5% in a healthy woman. In newborns, the value of hematocrit is slightly higher, which is between 42-68%.