What is the meaning of pcv in blood test?

PCV stands for Packed Cell Volume, also known as hematocrit. It measures the proportion of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood compared to the total blood volume. A higher or lower than normal PCV level can indicate conditions like anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia.

In simpler terms, PCV tells doctors how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells. Normal ranges vary by age and sex—for men, it’s usually around 41–50%, and for women, 36–46%. If your PCV is abnormal, further tests are usually recommended to find the underlying cause. You can read more about it on MedlinePlus.