Hematocrit
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
A device for determining the ratio of the volumes of blood cells and plasma in blood. There are two types of hematocrit: one is a U-shaped tube with a capillary bore, equipped with graduations; the other is a straight tube with a bore of about 1 mm in diameter.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
HEMATOCRIT, a device for determining the ratio of the volumes of blood cells and plasma in blood. There are two types of hematocrit: one type has a U-shaped tube with a capillary bore, equipped with graduations; the other type of hematocrit is a straight tube with a bore of about 1 mm. The determination is carried out simultaneously in 2 tubes. The hematocrit is inserted into a centrifuge, where there is a special attachment—a cap. The blood cells, having a greater specific weight, are thrown by centrifugal force when the centrifuge rotates to the bottom end of the hematocrit. The distribution of volumes of blood cells and plasma is read directly on the scale.
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“Hematocrit.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hematocrit/