Question

What is the reference range for hematocrit for adults? How close must the percentages be from both tubes used?

A) Reference range: 40-60%; Percentages must be within 5% of each other.

B) Reference range: 12-18 g/dL; Percentages must be within 2% of each other.

C) Reference range: 35-50%; Percentages must be within 10% of each other.

D) Reference range: 2.5-4.5 x 10^6/μL; Percentages must be within 1% of each other.

Answer 1

The reference range for hematocrit varies by gender. For females, it is 37-47%, and for males, it is 42-52%. The percentages from both tubes used should be within 2% of each other.

Correct option is C

Step-by-step explanation:

Hematocrit, a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in blood, holds distinct reference ranges for adult males and females. Females typically have a normal range of 37 to 47 percent, while males range from 42 to 52 percent, with respective mean values of 41 and 47 percent. When assessing hematocrit, it's crucial that the percentages obtained from different tubes, often used for duplicate measurements, are within 2 percent of each other. This narrow margin ensures the precision, accuracy, and reliability of the hematocrit measurement.

Consistency in the results between tubes reinforces the validity of the assessment, minimizing the potential for errors and contributing to the overall reliability of hematocrit values in clinical settings. This stringent criterion for agreement enhances the quality of diagnostic information derived from hematocrit measurements in healthcare practice.