Final answer:
Hematocrit is the term referring to the percentage of blood consisting of packed red blood cells, measured by an automated analyzer. It represents the volume percentage of erythrocytes in a sample of centrifuged blood and varies typically between 36-50 percent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the student's question is C) Hematocrit. Hematocrit measures the percentage of blood that consists of packed red blood cells (RBCs). It is a value measured by an automated hematology analyzer and calculated from the mean cell volume multiplied by the RBC count. The hematocrit, or packed cell volume (PCV), represents the volume percentage of erythrocytes in a sample of centrifuged blood. This test is crucial as erythrocytes, the most numerous cells in the blood, perform the vital function of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Normal hematocrit values vary by gender and other factors, but typically range from 36-50 percent.The hematocrit value can vary depending on factors such as gender, with normal range values for females being 37-47 percent and for males being 42-52 percent.