An increase in the fluid content of the blood resulting in diminution of the proportion of formed elements, red and white blood cells and platelets.
Increase in blood fluid, decrease in blood cells.
Dilution of the volume of red blood cells by an expansion of the extracellular water compartment.
A decrease in the proportion of red blood cells relative to the plasma, brought about by an increase in the total volume of plasma. This may occur in a variety of conditions, including pregnancy and enlargement of the spleen.
A relative increase in the volume of blood plasma, resulting in a decrease in the measured concentration (but not in the absolute number) of red blood cells.
Plasmapheresis, a method in which the fluid component of the blood is augmented without a corresponding increase in the quantity of red blood cells.