PCV in a lab test means Packed Cell Volume.
It is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the total volume of blood. PCV is also called Hematocrit (HCT).
What PCV tells you
PCV helps to assess:
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Polycythemia (high red blood cells)
Dehydration or overhydration
General blood health
Normal PCV values (approximate)
Adult males: 40–54%
Adult females: 36–48%
Children: varies by age
Interpretation
Low PCV: Anemia, blood loss, malnutrition, chronic disease
High PCV: Dehydration, polycythemia, chronic lung or heart disease