College

When collecting blood in a capillary tube to test for hematocrit levels, how full should the tube be?

Answer :

Final answer:

The capillary tube used for testing hematocrit levels should be filled until about two-thirds full. This allows for accurate measurement and ensures that the blood settles properly during centrifugation.

Explanation:

The capillary tube used for testing hematocrit levels should be filled until about two-thirds full. This allows for accurate measurement and ensures that the blood settles properly during centrifugation.

When the blood is centrifuged, the heavier erythrocytes settle at the bottom, forming a layer, while the lighter plasma rises to the top. The hematocrit level is then determined by measuring the percentage of blood occupied by erythrocytes.