Deriving a useful packed cell volume estimate from haemoglobin analysis.

A method is described whereby the packed cell volume (PCV) of a blood sample can be estimated from the haemoglobin concentration. The method defines the relation existing between haemoglobin concentration and the PCV of blood samples and uses the mathematical formula thus obtained to estimate an unknown PCV value for a sample by extrapolation from the known haemoglobin value of the same sample. The method could be used in large scale field studies where haematological services are not available and where an evaluation of red cell status of vitamins such as folate is required.