Hematology | Hematocrit

Summary

This educational video delves into hematocrit, also known as packed cell volume (PCV), explaining its significance as the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample. It describes the blood's composition after centrifugation into layers: erythrocytes (red blood cells), the Buffy coat (containing platelets and white blood cells), and plasma. The video clarifies normal hematocrit values, conditions like anemia and polycythemia, and the roles of platelets and leukocytes. It also details plasma's constituents, emphasizing water, plasma proteins, and its critical role in transporting substances throughout the body.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Hematocrit, also known as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), is the percentage of red blood cells in the total volume of blood.
• 🧪 Blood is separated into three layers after centrifugation: erythrocyte layer (red blood cells), Buffy coat (platelets and white blood cells), and plasma.
• 🩸 The erythrocyte layer, being the densest, typically makes up about 45% of the total blood volume, which is the average hematocrit level.
• 🚫 Conditions such as anemia and polycythemia are indicated by hematocrit levels below or above the normal range, respectively.
• 🛡️ The Buffy coat, accounting for less than 1% of the blood volume, contains platelets which plug damaged blood vessels and white blood cells which fight infections.
• 📉 Low white blood cell count (leukopenia) or high count (leukocytosis) can indicate various health conditions, including infections or blood disorders.
• 💉 Platelet disorders include thrombocytopenia (low count) and thrombocytosis (high count), which affect the body's ability to clot.
• 🌊 Plasma makes up about 55% of the blood volume and is primarily composed of water, which acts as a universal solvent and transporter for nutrients and gases.
• 🔄 Plasma proteins, such as albumin, globulins, and antibodies, play crucial roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances, and fighting pathogens.
• 🚰 Plasma's role includes transporting respiratory gases, electrolytes, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic waste products to appropriate organs for processing or excretion.
• 🧬 Imbalances in plasma components can lead to various health issues, though specifics are not detailed in the script.

Q & A

What is hematocrit, and what is another term for it?

Hematocrit, also known as packed cell volume (PCV), is the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample, representing the volume of red blood cells in the total blood volume.

How is hematocrit measured?

Hematocrit is measured by taking a blood sample, usually from a vein, and centrifuging it to separate the blood into layers based on density. The volume of red blood cells is then compared to the total volume of blood.

What are the three main layers seen after centrifuging blood?

The three main layers after centrifuging blood are the erythrocyte layer (red blood cells) at the bottom, the buffy coat in the middle containing platelets and white blood cells, and the plasma layer on top.

What is the average hematocrit percentage for a healthy individual?

The average hematocrit percentage for a healthy individual is about 45%, which may vary slightly between genders and individuals.

What conditions are associated with hematocrit levels below or above the average?

Hematocrit levels below the average are associated with anemia, while levels above the average are associated with polycythemia.

What is the buffy coat, and what does it consist of?

The buffy coat is a thin layer between the plasma and erythrocyte layer, consisting of platelets and white blood cells or leukocytes.

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

Platelets function to plug damaged blood vessels and prevent bleeding by forming clots at the site of injury.

What are the normal ranges for platelet and white blood cell counts per microliter of blood?

The normal range for platelet counts is about 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, and for white blood cells, it's about 4,800 to 11,000 per microliter.

What is the plasma layer, and what does it consist of?

The plasma layer is the top layer after centrifugation, consisting mainly of water, plasma proteins, nutrients, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic waste products.

What are the main functions of plasma in the body?

Plasma functions to transport respiratory gases, electrolytes, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic waste products throughout the body.

What are the different types of plasma proteins and their functions?

Plasma proteins include albumin, which regulates water balance and osmotic pressure; globulins, which are transport proteins for substances not soluble in blood plasma; and gamma globulins, which are antibodies that fight pathogens.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Understanding Hematocrit and Blood Components

This paragraph explains the concept of hematocrit, also known as packed cell volume (PCV), which represents the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. The video describes the process of blood centrifugation, which separates blood into three layers: the erythrocyte layer (red blood cells), the Buffy coat (containing platelets and white blood cells), and the plasma layer. The normal hematocrit value is around 45%, with deviations indicating potential health conditions like anemia or polycythemia. The paragraph also touches on the functions of erythrocytes and introduces the Buffy coat.

05:06

🛡️ Platelets, White Blood Cells, and Plasma Proteins

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of the Buffy coat, detailing the roles of platelets and white blood cells. Platelets are crucial for plugging damaged blood vessels, with normal counts ranging from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. White blood cells, important for immune responses, have a normal count of 4,800 to 11,000 per microliter. Conditions like leukopenia and leukocytosis are mentioned, along with their potential causes. The paragraph also discusses plasma components, emphasizing water's role and the importance of plasma proteins such as albumin, globulins, and gamma globulin, which have various functions including transport and immune response.

10:06

🚰 Plasma's Role in Transport and Metabolism

The final paragraph focuses on the plasma layer, which makes up about 55% of the blood volume. It highlights the composition of plasma, primarily water, and its vital role in transporting nutrients, respiratory gases, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic waste. The paragraph explains how plasma helps maintain blood volume and pressure and is responsible for carrying waste to the kidneys or liver for excretion. It also mentions the transport of essential substances like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, along with the presence of various enzymes and hormones in the plasma.

Keywords

💡Hematocrit

Hematocrit, also known as packed cell volume (PCV), is the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. It is a crucial measure in the video as it indicates the concentration of red blood cells, which is vital for oxygen transport. The script explains that a normal hematocrit value is about 45%, and deviations from this can indicate conditions like anemia (less than 45%) or polycythemia (greater than 45%).

💡Erythrocyte

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are the most dense component of blood and are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. The script describes how erythrocytes are separated during the centrifugation process and make up about 45% of the total blood volume, which is the average hematocrit value.

💡Buffy Coat

The Buffy coat is the thin, green layer that lies between the plasma and the erythrocyte layer after blood centrifugation. It is composed of platelets and white blood cells (leukocytes). The script explains that the Buffy coat is significant because it contains cells that play key roles in blood clotting and immune response.

💡Platelets

Platelets are cell fragments in the Buffy coat that are essential for blood clotting. The video script mentions that platelets can range from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. Abnormalities in platelet count, such as thrombocytopenia (less than 150,000) or thrombocytosis (greater than 450,000), can lead to bleeding or clotting disorders.

💡Leukocytes

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are part of the immune system and are found in the Buffy coat. The script provides a normal range of 4,800 to 11,000 leukocytes per microliter of blood. Deviations from this range, such as leukopenia (below 4,800) or leukocytosis (above 11,000), can indicate infections or other conditions like leukemia.

💡Plasma

Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its volume. It is composed mainly of water and plasma proteins. The script explains that plasma's primary function is to transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

💡Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, accounting for about 60% of all plasma proteins. It plays a vital role in maintaining the osmotic pressure and regulating the water balance within blood vessels. The script mentions albumin as a key component of plasma.

💡Globulins

Globulins are a group of proteins in plasma that include alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. The script explains that alpha and beta globulins function as transport proteins for substances not soluble in plasma, while gamma globulins are antibodies that fight pathogens.

💡Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a hematocrit level below the normal 45%, indicating a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin. The script uses anemia as an example of a condition that can result from an abnormally low hematocrit value.

💡Polycythemia

Polycythemia is a condition where the hematocrit level is above the normal 45%, indicating an excess of red blood cells. The video script explains that polycythemia can be associated with various symptoms and may require medical attention.

💡Centrifugation

Centrifugation is the process used to separate the components of blood based on their densities. In the script, centrifugation is described as the method to create distinct layers of erythrocytes, Buffy coat, and plasma, which is fundamental to understanding hematocrit and other blood components.

Highlights

Hematocrit, also known as packed cell volume (PCV), is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.

Blood is separated into three distinct layers after centrifugation: erythrocyte layer, buffy coat, and plasma.

Erythrocyte layer, the densest component, consists of red blood cells (RBCs) and is crucial for oxygen transport.

The average hematocrit percentage is about 45%, with variations between genders.

Conditions like anemia and polycythemia are associated with hematocrit levels below or above the normal range.

The buffy coat is a thin layer containing platelets and white blood cells, accounting for less than 1% of the blood.

Platelets play a vital role in plugging damaged blood vessels, with a normal count of 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter.

White blood cells (leukocytes) are essential for immune response, with a normal count of 4,800 to 11,000 per microliter.

Leukopenia and leukocytosis are conditions characterized by low or high white blood cell counts, respectively.

Plasma makes up about 55% of the blood volume and is composed mainly of water and plasma proteins.

Albumin, a type of plasma protein, regulates water balance and osmotic pressure in blood vessels.

Globulins, another plasma protein type, function as transport proteins for substances not soluble in blood plasma.

Gamma globulins are antibodies produced by plasma cells to fight off pathogens.

Plasma is responsible for transporting respiratory gases, electrolytes, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic waste.

Metabolic waste products like lactic acid, uric acid, and creatine are transported by plasma to be excreted by the kidneys or liver.

Understanding hematocrit and its components is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions.

The video provides a comprehensive overview of blood composition, emphasizing the importance of each component.

Transcripts

our ninja nerds in this video we're

going to talk about hematocrit so what

is hematocrit ematic rated also called

your pack cell volume is just the

percent of your wrist recites or your

red blood cells for the entire amount of

blood that you're taking out of the

individual so pretend I take about a

millimeter cubed of blood from my

brachial vein alright so I take about a

millimeter cubed over my brachial vein

from the median cubital vein wherever I

take that blood about a microliter

millimeter cubed I put it within a test

tube right I centrifuge it the

centrifuge will separate the blood based

upon densities into three distinct

layers that you're going to see right

here so we centrifuge this blood right

we coat it with heparin because we don't

want the blood to clot so what you're

going to see is three distinct layers

this layer here on the bottom is the

most dense component and that's your

erythrocyte layer this green layer

sandwiched in between the plasma and the

red blood cell layer is called the Buffy

coat and the buffy coat is going to be

importing an introduction and then this

blue layer right here is called the

plasma okay and we'll talk about within

the plasma so again what is hematocrit

though or another name for it is called

packs elbow let me write that over here

so again other word for hematocrit is we

can say P C V which stands for pack cell

volume so now let's go through each one

of these components so if we come over

here first let's say we go into this

first layer right here so you spin the

blood right and we separate out these

layers this layer is the erythrocyte

layer okay so this is going to be

consisting of our RBC's our red blood

cells right our erythrocytes now we

already know the function of

erythrocytes so we're not going to go

over that what's go over and say again

what would be the percentage out of this

so this is a whole microliter so how

much is this again from here all the way

to here is about a micro liter of blood

which again is equal to about a

millimeter cubed of blood right how much

of that would actually account for this

dis fraction right here it would be

about 0.45 so this would account for

about point 4 5 out of that micro liter

so about 0.45 microliters but if I take

that point form 5 microliters of my red

blood cell layer

over the 1 microliter of all total blood

and multiply that by a hundred what does

that give me

that gives me 45% this is on average the

amount this is on average our hematocrit

or our a wrist recite component of the

blood percentage-wise this is the normal

amount

obviously for women it might have a

standard deviation about two or three

less than for males it might be about a

standard deviate standard deviation of

two or three above that okay but

anything below this so what if someone

has something below that value so if

there's actually going to be let's say

that this person has less than 45% what

is that called called Amenia what is the

call whenever they have greater than 45%

it's called polycythemia right and we

talked about these in individual videos

right so again that's pretty much it for

the red blood cell I know it's about 45%

most dense component consists of the red

blood cells and anything less or greater

that can induce these two symptoms or

conditions right what is this green

little aerator this green layer right

here is called the Buffy coat let's do

this in black right here so this right

here is called the Buffy coat

so the buffy coat consists of two

different types of formed elements all

right one of those formed elements is

going to be platelets the other formed

elements is going to be white blood

cells or your leukocytes right now the

Buffy code only accounts if you take out

of this fraction as a whole and only

accounts for about not even 1% almost

less than 1% so almost about less than

1% okay out of this in total fraction

right now the Buffy code consists of

platelets and white blood cells

platelets if you take these guys what

are their functions their functions are

designed to be able to plug up to any

type of damaged blood vessels right so

if we have any type of first off how

many platelets did you take that

millimeter cubed of blood how many

please

would you find within that you'd find

about a hundred and fifty thousand to

about four hundred and fifty thousand

per microliter of blood that's about how

much you find in these individual right

if you take the white blood cells that

would be about four thousand eight

hundred to about ten thousand eight

hundred but we're just going to put

eleven thousand per microliter of blood

if someone has a white blood cell count

below four thousand eight hundred so

let's say that they have below four

thousand less than 4,800 this is called

leukopenia leuco Pina and if they have

greater than eleven thousand per

microliter this is called specific being

called leukocytosis right so

leukocytosis and this could be

indicative of an infection or maybe

depending upon how high it is leukemoid

reaction or maybe the Leukemia Lymphoma

right so that's that part there I didn't

mention the mouth red blood cell for red

blood cells if you take a microliter of

blood they're going to have about five

to six million right so five to six

million red blood cells per microliter

of blood

okay now platelets if you have less than

150,000 for platelets so let's say I'll

let you have less than 150,000 for

platelets this is called

thrombocytopenia and if you have greater

than 450,000 this is called thrombo

psychosis okay so for almost I have a

Pina obviously you have increased

chances of bleeding thrombocytosis you'd

actually have more clotting formation

right all right now for this last layer

here guys alright this last layer here

is actually going to be called our

plasma layer this is our plasma layer

and again just like we did with the red

blood cell layer it's accounting for

about you know fifty five percent so if

we take it's about 0.55 microliters over

one whole microliter of total blood

multiplied by a hundred and that's going

to give us approximately about 55% so

now plasma

what is the components of plasma well

the components of plasma mainly are

water so about 90 and the 93 percent of

it is actually just water why is water

so important because it's the universal

solvent it's cause to be able to

transport our red blood cells it's good

at dissolving certain types of solutes

and proteins and molecules and nutrients

with inside of the actual blood vessel

right so it's a very important soil that

we absolutely need water

alright so it controls our blood volume

and our blood pressure so many things

another thing that's really important is

our plasma proteins which are count for

about 8 percent of the plasma so 8

percent of it is actually going to be

plasma proteins and what are these

plasma proteins so what are these plasma

proteins these ones the main ones I'm

going to mention each one let's say we

talk about albumin so the first one here

is actually albumin and what does

albumin do albumin actually regulates

what the water balance inside of our

blood vessels right so he controls the

osmotic pressure he counts for about 60%

of these plasma proteins the other ones

are going to be your globulin and your

globulin you have three types alpha and

beta which are usually kind of grouped

together right so alpha and beta and

then the other one is gamma globulin so

what does alpha and beta do alpha and

beta are usually transport proteins so

these are very good transport proteins

so they transport substances that aren't

soluble within the blood plasma like

what like certain types of metals for

example like iron iron can't be in the

bloodstream freely circulating because

they cause free radical reactions so we

have to bind him to transferring certain

types of hormones that are soluble

within the bloodstream like psy Roxy or

t3 and t4 they have to be bound to

thyroxine binding globulin all right so

that's just an example quick example of

our transport proteins

what about gamma globulin gamma globulin

ZAR your antibodies okay so these are

like antibodies and these are produced

by your plasma cells by your plasma

cells which are differentiated b-cells

and they're good for fighting off

different types of pathogens right by

optimizing them or activating certain

types of pathways

all right so that's the big opponent the

other things are kind of like you know

what most people should know it's going

to transport respiratory gases like

oxygen and co2 and even nitric oxide

it's going to transport electrolytes so

it transports electrolytes right

what are these electrolytes that it

transports this could be like sodium

potassium chlorine and we could just

keep going on and on and on right what

else does it have within it it also has

a couple other things that we'll mention

let's say nutrients so nutrients is very

important some of these nutrients are

going to be things like glucose glucose

is very critical amino acids fatty acids

right so tons and tons of different

types of substances that you can find as

nutrient wise right what else enzymes

enzymes different types of enzymes anti

microbial enzymes functional enzymes

right what else you can even have

hormones so you can have hormones within

the bloodstream that because that's

their main form of transport right and

then one last thing to finish it all off

you can also have metabolic waste so

metabolic waste product right and what

are these metabolic waste products could

be lactic acid could be uric acid could

be creatine could be all kinds of

different substances what is the purpose

of this well usually the plasma is

responsible for being able to transport

this metabolic waste to the kidney where

it can be excreted right or it takes it

to the liver because the liver can

excrete it out through the feces right

all right so pretty much in a nutshell

that gives us what we need to know about

this now we're not going to go into

certain types of imbalances within the

plasma because it'll just get too insane

for right now just know that these are

the constituents of the plasma all right

so pretty much guys in a nutshell this

gives us everything we're going to need

to know about the hematocrit or the pack

cell volume

see ninja nerds