Blood Donation and Haematology Quiz

Study Notes

Blood Donation Qualifications

Qualified donors typically include healthy adults, such as the 28-year-old footballer.
Donors with significant health issues, such as the 67-year-old with uncontrolled diabetes, are not typically eligible.
A 12-year-old weighing 50 kg may qualify, depending on local regulations.
Individuals who recently experienced jaundice or have had a blood transfusion are considered ineligible for donation.

EDTA Use in Laboratories

EDTA is primarily used as an anticoagulant in routine hematology for various tests, notably full blood counts.
It chelates iron, preventing blood clotting by binding calcium in the sample.
The standard blood to anticoagulant ratio is typically around 9:1.

Factors Affecting Hemoglobin Concentration

Sex plays a role, with higher hemoglobin levels generally found in males than in females.
Pregnancy can lead to increased levels due to elevated plasma volume.
Neonates usually present with lower hemoglobin levels compared to adults.
Living at high altitudes can enhance hemoglobin concentration due to increased erythropoietin release from bone marrow.
Smoking is associated with decreased hemoglobin levels.

Iron Deficiency Features

Common symptoms and signs of iron deficiency include koilonychia (spooning of nails).
Other conditions, such as splenomegaly or jaundice, do not typically indicate iron deficiency.

Incorrect Matches in Coagulation Factors

Factor I is correctly matched with Fibrinogen.
Factor III is Tissue factor, while Factor XII corresponds to Hageman factor, and Factor VIII is Antihaemophilic factor.
Factor V is incorrectly matched with Proconvertin, as this is actually Factor VII.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Insights

ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in anticoagulated blood over one hour.
It decreases significantly in cases of severe anemia but is influenced by inflammatory conditions.
The presence of rouleaux formation enhances sedimentation, opposing the claim that it does not have an effect.

Causes of Massive Splenomegaly

Massive splenomegaly can result from conditions such as iron deficiency anemia and hyperreactive malaria splenomegaly.
Other potential causes include multiple myeloma and sickle cell anemia; haemophilia is less commonly associated.

First Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Key first-generation inhibitors include Imatinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, and Bosutinib, with an unspecified fifth.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Megaloblastic Anemia

Serum Vitamin B12 levels are low in this condition.
A blood film typically reveals macrocytic red blood cells rather than microcytosis.
Plasma hepcidin is elevated, and marked reticulocytosis is observed.

Crossmatching in Blood Transfusion

Crossmatching is essential for ensuring compatibility in blood transfusions.
Involves detecting potential agglutination reactions between donor red cells and recipient antibodies.
Requires the use of anti-sera A or B and proper temperature management, typically not conducted at -4 degrees Celsius.

Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT)

SCT is an intravenous procedure that does not usually involve a major surgical operation.
It is beneficial in treating various conditions, including those with defective bone marrow, and may have significant side effects.
SCT is relevant in treating not just cancers but also other hematologic disorders.

Description

Test your knowledge on the qualifications for blood donation and the use of EDTA in haematology. This quiz covers important concepts and guidelines regarding who can donate blood and the role of EDTA in laboratory practices. Perfect for students in medical or health-related fields.