effect of positive predictive value of serum hematocrit levels on early detection of preeclampsia

background & aim: preeclampsi which is a common and important disorder in pregnancy is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality. it is worthy to find out an appropriate screening test for it. this study aimed to assess serum hematocrit level as a screening test for preeclampsia. methods & materials: using a randomized stratification, 660 women who were in the 24-28 weeks of gestation were recruited to the study from a prenatal clinic of taamin ejtemaei hospital in tehran. data were collected through observations and interviews. data were recorded in a questionnaire and recording form. the women were followed up until delivery. data were analyzed in spss. results: there was significant differences in 24-28 weeks serum hematocrit levels in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women (p<0.001). there were 58.6% sensitivity, 88.9% specificity, 33.7% positive predictive value, and 95.7% negative predictive value for serum hematocrit. conclusion: a serum hematocrit level in 24-28 weeks of gestation is a simple and inexpensive test that can help to detect high-risk preeclamptic women.