Generality
PCT, commonly known as plateletcrit or platelet hematocrit, is a laboratory parameter that expresses the percentage fraction of the mass of whole blood occupied by platelets; in other words, the PCT tells us how much blood volume is occupied by the platelets.
PCT is detected along with other platelet indices, such as:
- PLT: platelet count, number of platelets per blood volume;
- MPV: mean platelet volume;
- PDW: distribution width of platelet volumes (index of platelet anisocytosis).
in order to evaluate the size and homogeneity of the platelet population.
PCT is closely correlated with PLT and MPV, since the volume of blood occupied by platelets depends on their number and size.
What's this
Platelets (or thrombocytes) are small elements in the blood that are important for normal clotting. These cells are produced by the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream.
Platelets survive in the circulation for 8-10 days and the bone marrow must continually produce new cells to replace those that are degraded, consumed and / or lost during bleeding.
Plateletcrit (PCT) is a parameter analogous to hematocrit. Specifically, PCT indicates the ratio between the total volume of platelets and the total volume of blood.
Under physiological conditions, the amount of platelets in the blood is maintained in a state of equilibrium by regeneration and elimination.
Because it is measured
Platelet hematocrit (PCT) indicates the volume of blood occupied by platelets. This parameter is therefore an effective screening tool for detecting quantitative platelet abnormalities.
PCT values vary according to the mean volume of these blood elements and provide an indication of the presence of normal thrombocytes, thrombocytes and thrombocytosis.
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