What is hematocrit?(b) Mention the term with respect to –(i) Temporary increase in number of WBCs(ii) Decrease in number of RBCs

Answer: (a) The percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs (packed cell volume). (b)(i) Leucocytosis (ii) Erythrocytopenia (anaemia).

(a) Hematocrit (packed cell volume, PCV) is the percentage of the total blood volume made up of red blood cells, found by centrifuging blood. Normal values are about 40–50% in men and 37–47% in women.

(b)(i) Leucocytosis: a temporary increase in the number of WBCs, as during infections.

(b)(ii) Erythrocytopenia: a decrease in the number of RBCs, leading to anaemia (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood).