What condition is indicated by a low packed cell volume in a blood sample?

A low packed cell volume (PCV) in a blood sample is indicative of anemia. PCV is a measure of the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. When this volume is low, it suggests that there are not enough red blood cells in circulation, which is a hallmark of anemia. Anemia can result from various factors such as blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, or increased destruction of red blood cells.

In contrast, conditions like hyperlipidemia would not directly affect the PCV, as it relates to lipid levels rather than red cell mass. Hypoglycemia, which refers to low blood sugar levels, does not influence the packed cell volume either, as it pertains to carbohydrate metabolism. Dehydration, on the other hand, would typically result in a higher packed cell volume due to the concentration of red blood cells in a smaller volume of plasma, not a lower one.

Thus, anemia is the condition that is correctly associated with a low packed cell volume, making this the appropriate answer in context to the question posed.