Which term is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells?

• A. Incontinence
• B. Hematocrit
• C. Macule
• D. Hemorrhage

Answer: (B)

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It shows how much of the blood’s volume is made up of RBCs and is typically measured by spinning a blood sample to separate plasma from cells or by automated analyzers. Clinically, hematocrit helps assess conditions like anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia, with normal ranges differing by sex: lower values can indicate anemia or overhydration, while higher values can suggest dehydration or an increased RBC mass. This term specifically relates to blood composition, unlike incontinence (loss of bladder/bowel control), macule (a flat skin discoloration), or hemorrhage (active bleeding).