Anticoagulants and CBC Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action of EDTA as an anticoagulant?

  • It inhibits the production of blood cells.
  • It bonds to calcium through chelation. (correct)
  • It prevents platelet activation.
  • It alters the pH of the blood.

How many inversions are required for proper mixing of blood in an EDTA tube?

  • 4
  • 10
  • 6
  • 8 (correct)

Which of the following statements about the storage of EDTA blood specimens is accurate?

  • Storage at 4°C allows analysis up to 48 hours.
  • Specimens should be analyzed within 4 hours at room temperature.
  • Blood smears must be made within 1 hour of collection.
  • Specimens should be analyzed within 6 hours when stored at room temperature. (correct)

What is a common cause of clotted blood specimens in EDTA tubes?

<p>Expired tube. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does excessive EDTA have on blood tests?

<p>Results in falsely low hematocrit values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not making blood smears within the recommended time frame after collection?

<p>Potential for inaccurate cell morphology assessment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter is associated with Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) when using EDTA?

<p>EDTA causes an increase in MPV for the first hour. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal concentration of EDTA for blood collection?

<p>15 mg/mL of blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using EDTA as an anticoagulant in hematology?

<p>It prevents the aggregation of platelets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If blood for a CBC is collected in an EDTA tube, how soon must it ideally be analyzed to avoid false results?

<p>Within 6 hours if stored at room temperature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to insufficient EDTA in a blood sample?

<p>Underfilling the tube during collection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected change in Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) in the first hour after blood collection with EDTA?

<p>Approximately a 20% increase. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following parameters is NOT included in the RBC parameters of a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

<p>White Blood Cell count (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does excessive EDTA have on blood sample results?

<p>Causes an increase in MCHC and platelet count. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a delta check, what is primarily being compared?

<p>Current test results against previous test results from the same patient. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the optimal use of EDTA?

<p>Blood specimens should be processed within specific time frames to minimize errors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

EDTA

A chemical anticoagulant, usually potassium EDTA, used to prevent blood clotting, commonly used in hematology.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood from clotting.

Optimal EDTA concentration

15 mg/mL of blood for accurate hematology results.

EDTA action

Binds calcium ions (chelation) to prevent clotting.

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CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A blood test that measures various components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

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Blood Specimen Stability (EDTA)

EDTA samples should be analyzed within 6 hours at room temperature, or 24 hours refrigerated to prevent false results.

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Platelet count

Measures the number of platelets in the blood.

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Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

Average size of platelets in the blood.

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Insufficient EDTA

Leads to blood clotting due to insufficient anticoagulant.

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Excessive EDTA

Can cause falsely low hematocrit, and increased ESR.

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EDTA Anticoagulant

A chemical that prevents blood clotting, commonly used in hematology, often as Kâ‚‚EDTA.

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EDTA Optimal Concentration

15 mg/mL of blood for accurate hematology tests.

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EDTA Chelation

EDTA binds calcium ions, preventing blood clotting; a specific binding method.

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EDTA Storage Stability

EDTA blood samples analyzed within 6 hours (room temp) or 24 hours (refrigerated) for accurate results.

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EDTA & Platelet Aggregation

EDTA prevents platelets from clumping (aggregating) making it ideal for platelet counts.

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Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

Average size of platelets, measured in EDTA samples with proper storage (1-4 hours old).

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Insufficient EDTA

Leads to blood clotting when EDTA is not enough in the sample.

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Excessive EDTA

Can cause falsely low hematocrit and increased ESR.

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CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A blood test that measures different blood components, such as red and white blood cells, and platelets.

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Blood Collection Errors (Clots)

Reasons for blood samples clotting might include improper phlebotomy technique, incorrect inversions, or expired tubes.

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Study Notes

Anticoagulants

  • EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is commonly used as Kâ‚‚EDTA
  • Found in lavender/purple-top tubes
  • Used for routine hematology tests
  • Optimal concentration is 15 mg/mL of blood
  • Blood specimens for CBC must be analyzed within 6 hours of collection (room temp) or 24 hours (refrigerated)
  • Blood smears should be made within 3 hours of collection
  • EDTA prevents platelet aggregation, therefore preferred for platelet counts
  • Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) increases by approximately 20% in the first hour, based on EDTA specimens that are between 1-4 hours old

Possible Causes of Clotted Blood Specimens

  • Difficult phlebotomy
  • Blood sample not inverted correctly
  • Expired blood collection tube
  • Overfilled tube

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Also known as a hemogram
  • Performed on automated hematology profiling instruments
  • Includes:
    • Red blood cell (RBC) parameters: RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW), reticulocyte count
    • White blood cell (WBC) parameters: WBC count, neutrophil (% and absolute), lymphocyte (% and absolute), monocyte (% and absolute), and eosinophil and basophil counts (% and absolute)
    • Platelet parameters: Platelet count, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
  • Chelation: formation of a ring-shaped molecular complex in which a metal ion is covalently bound
  • Delta Check: a process in which a current test result is compared with the result of the same test from a previous specimen from the same patient
  • Delta check method of QC utilizes the patient's own data to monitor population values
  • Reflex test: a test being ordered automatically based on the results of prior tests or preset parameters
  • Parameter: any numerical value that depicts an entire population

EDTA Issues

  • Insufficient EDTA: cause - overfilled tube, effect - presence of clots
  • Excessive EDTA: cause - underfilled tube (short draw), effect - falsely low Hct, ESR, ↑MCHC, and platelet count

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Description

This quiz covers essential information about anticoagulants, specifically EDTA and its role in routine hematology tests like the Complete Blood Count (CBC). Additionally, it explores common issues that can arise from clotted blood specimens and their prevention. Test your knowledge on these key concepts and practices in hematology.

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