Veterinary Diagnostic Equipment · Generic
PCV Tube vet
In stock
A PCV (Packed Cell Volume) tube, also known as a microhematocrit tube or crit tube, is a narrow glass or plastic capillary used in veterinary medicine to measure the proportion of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood. It is a fundamental diagnostic tool used to quickly assess anemia, hydration status, and oxygen-carrying capacity.
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Specs & features.
The PCV tube is a thin, clear capillary tube (typically 75 mm long with an internal diameter of about 1.1 mm). To run the test, the tube is filled 2/3 to 3/4 full with whole blood via capillary action. One end is then pressed into a synthetic clay sealant to create a plug before being spun in a high-speed microhematocrit centrifuge for 3 to 5 minutes.
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- Micro-Sample Capacity: Because it requires only a few drops of blood, it is perfect for tiny, pediatric, or exotic veterinary patients (like birds, kittens, or pocket pets) where volume restrictions prevent large blood draws.
- Dual-Diagnostic Capability (PCV & Total Solids): After reading the PCV percentage, the glass tube is cleanly snapped just above the buffy coat layer. The isolated plasma is then tapped onto a refractometer to measure total solids (TS) or total protein (TP), maximizing the utility of a single micro-sample.
- Diagnostic Versatility: Beyond just measuring RBC percentages, the tube's plasma layer allows veterinarians to visually spot systemic issues such as lipemia, icterus (liver disease), or hemolysis (IMHA).
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