Coagulation and Inflammation Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended maximum time frame for processing a CBC sample collected at room temperature?

24 hours

8 hours

12 hours

6 hours (correct)

What is the primary function of EDTA in a CBC test?

To minimize the effect on cell morphology (correct)

To enhance the red blood cell count

To increase leukocyte levels

To promote clotting of the sample

What effect does an improper ratio of blood to anticoagulant have on the test results?

Inaccuracy in WBC count

Elevation of blood glucose levels

Increased platelet aggregation

Falsely low hematocrit values (correct)

Why is capillary blood considered an excellent specimen for morphology in a CBC test?

It does not chemically alter the cells Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured for a sample to maintain its integrity before analysis?

Clot-free, hemolysis-free, and sufficient volume Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a flag from an automated blood cell analyzer?

An abnormal result requiring a blood film examination Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anticoagulant is considered unsatisfactory for hematology testing?

Heparin Signup and view all the answers

What components are included in the composite of cells found in peripheral blood of healthy individuals?

Red blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of reticulocytes in the bloodstream?

To synthesize hemoglobin after nucleus loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests involves staining specific cellular components to assess their morphology?

Wright Stain Test Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the blood?

C-Reactive Protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the average diameter of a normal, mature red blood cell (RBC)?

7 - 8 um Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the coagulation process?

Methylene Blue Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher percentage of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) indicate?

Increased blood loss or hemolysis. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a healthy red blood cell under microscopic examination?

Biconcave disc with distinct margins. Signup and view all the answers

Which advanced hematology test enables analysis of cellular characteristics through flow cytometry?

Molecular Diagnostic Assays Signup and view all the answers

What type of clustering is indicated by the presence of leukocytosis in a CBC test?

Increase in leukocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

Coagulation and repair of blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which method is employed to count white blood cells using a hemocytometer?

Dilution of blood sample in 1:20 ratio Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter describes a blood smear examination technique?

Wright Staining using basic and acidic dyes Signup and view all the answers

What does an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally indicate?

Possible presence of inflammation or infection Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major classifications of white blood cells?

Granulocytes and Mononucleates Signup and view all the answers

Which condition describes a reduced platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'shift to the left' in a CBC test?

Increase in immature granulocytes in response to infection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Parameters and Functions

RBCs (Red Blood Cells) settle at the bottom of vertical tubes, indicating a non-specific marker of inflammation similar to C-Reactive Protein.
Coagulation involves several key clotting factors: PT (Prothrombin Time), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), TT (Thrombin Time), and Fibrinogen.
Fibrinolysis is measured by D-Dimers, which indicates clot breakdown.

Reticulocyte Characteristics

Reticulocytes are immature RBCs containing RNA and continue synthesizing hemoglobin after losing their nucleus.
They remain in circulation for around 24 hours post release from bone marrow, reflecting the bone marrow's RBC production capability.
Important for assessing conditions involving blood loss or hemolysis.

Methodology in Hematology

Vital Staining, using Methylene Blue, stains RNA in Reticulocytes and can be done manually or automated.
Nucleic Acid Dyes are absorbed by living cells, allowing for vital observations.
Wright Stain is used to assess polychromasia and evaluate RBC characteristics, focusing on absolute numbers, percentages, and immature reticulocyte fractions (IRF).

Advanced Hematology Studies

Procedures like Bone Marrow Aspirates and Biopsies are essential for diagnosis.
Cytochemical stains include Myeloperoxidase, Sudan Black, specific and non-specific esterases, periodic acid shift (PAS), and alkaline phosphatase.
Flow Cytometry is used to categorize cells based on immunophenotype, while cytogenetics analyzes chromosomal structure.
Molecular diagnostic assays provide further insights into hematological conditions.

Importance of Blood Cell Morphology

Cell examination estimates hematologic function and the presence of diseases.
Understanding the percentages of cell types contributes to accurate diagnoses and determining necessary further tests.
Mature erythrocytes are biconcave discs averaging 7-8 µm in diameter and 1.5-2.5 µm in thickness.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Testing

CBC requires whole blood specimens, ideally from capillary sources for better morphology.
Venous blood is preserved with anticoagulants like EDTA, which has minimal effects on morphology if processed within appropriate time frames.
Mixing ensures homogeneity; improper ratios of blood to anticoagulant can lead to erroneous results.

Automated CBC Analysis

Blood cell analyzers provide assessments on RBC, WBC (White Blood Cell), and platelet morphology, generating flags for abnormal results.
Reflex Blood Film Examinations are conducted when abnormalities are flagged in automated tests.

Understanding WBC Differentiation

WBC classifications include Neutrophils, Bands, Eosinophils, Basophils (granulocytes), as well as Lymphocytes and Monocytes (mononucleates).
The analysis includes absolute numbers and percentages of each fraction, highlighting conditions like leucopenia, leukocytosis, and leukemia ("shift to the left").

Platelet Function and Assessment

Platelet counts are executed using automated impedance technology, and the average platelet volume (MPV) is calculated to ensure function integrity.
Platelets play a crucial role in vascular integrity and repair, contributing to coagulation and addressing conditions like thrombocytopenia and thrombosis.

Examination Techniques and Procedures

Blood smear preparations utilize Wright Stain for light microscopy, assessing WBCs and platelet morphology.
WBC differentials categorize white blood cells based on various characteristics such as color, size, and cytoplasmic inclusions.

Additional Hematological Tests

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) indicates the settle rate of RBCs over time, reflecting both inflammation and potential disease states.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of coagulation, including clotting factors and fibrinolysis. Explore the role of reticulocytes in relation to red blood cell production and the implications of inflammation markers such as C-Reactive Protein. This quiz covers essential concepts relevant to hematology.