Final answer:
Hematocrit is the volume percentage of erythrocytes in a centrifuged blood sample and normally ranges from 36-50 percent, varying by gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hematocrit is the percentage of blood that is composed of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs).
When a blood sample is centrifuged, its components separate based on density. The erythrocytes, being the heaviest, settle at the bottom; above them is a 'buffy coat' containing leukocytes and platelets, and the remaining component is the lighter plasma that floats on top. The hematocrit value reflects the volume percentage of erythrocytes after the blood is centrifuged, which is also referred to as the packed cell volume (PCV).Normal hematocrit values range from 36-50 percent, varying according to factors like gender. Women typically have hematocrit values ranging from 37 to 47, while men range from 42 to 52. The percentages of other elements like leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets in the blood are much smaller and are not generally included in the hematocrit calculation.