What term is used for the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells?

Hematocrit is the term used to describe the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. This measurement is significant as it helps in evaluating the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can provide insights into various medical conditions. A normal hematocrit level indicates a proper balance of red blood cells, which is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body.

The percentage of red blood cells in the blood is important for diagnosing conditions such as anemia or polycythemia. In contrast, hemoglobin refers to the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen, blood pressure measures the force of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and serum concentration relates to the amount of a substance in the liquid part of blood after it has clotted. Each of these terms describes different aspects of blood and its components, but only hematocrit specifically pertains to the volume of red blood cells in circulation.