HB & PCV is a blood test that measures haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, and packed cell volume, the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells. It is needed to screen for and evaluate anaemia, blood loss, dehydration, or an abnormally high red-cell count, and to assess the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity during routine health checks or medical evaluation.
It can suggest anaemia when haemoglobin and PCV levels are lower than the laboratory’s reference range.
Possible causes include iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, blood loss, chronic disease, kidney problems, or inherited blood disorders.
High values may occur with dehydration, smoking, prolonged exposure to high altitude, lung disease, or increased red blood cell production.
Yes. PCV and haematocrit are two names for the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells.
Reference ranges vary according to age, sex, pregnancy status, altitude, and laboratory methods. Always use the range printed on your report.