1
Centrifugation Method
Centrifuge the blood sample to separate red blood cells from plasma. Use the ruler to estimate the percentage of red blood cells (hematocrit).
Before Centrifugation
After Centrifugation
% RBC
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
%
2
Electronic Cell Counter (Coulter Counter)
Pass blood cells through a small aperture. As each cell passes, it creates a voltage pulse. The pulse height indicates cell size (MCV), and counting 100 cells gives us the RBC count.
Cells Measured
0
Mean Cell Volume (MCV)
-- fL
RBC Count
-- million/μL
Voltage Pulses (pulse height = cell volume)
3
Calculate Hematocrit from Cell Counter Data
Use the formula to calculate hematocrit from RBC count and MCV, then compare with your measured value.
The Formula
Hematocrit (%) = (RBC count × MCV) / 10
Where:
RBC count = millions of cells per microliter (million/μL)
MCV = mean cell volume in femtoliters (fL)
million/μL
fL
%
📊 Analysis Results
Centrifugation Method
Your Measurement:
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Expected:
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Accuracy:
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Calculation Method
Your Calculation:
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Accuracy:
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