In a dysentery patient undergoing treatment in the contagious isolation ward, a significant increase in packed cell volume has been observed (60%). What other value will be affected by this change?

Answer options

1. Increasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
2. Increasing volume of blood circulation
3. Leukopenia
4. Thrombocytopenia
5. Increasing blood viscosity

Explanation

An increase in PCV shows that there is an abnormal increase in erythrocytes level. This can lead to increased viscosity as there space for RBCs to flow normally.