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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended maximum time frame for processing a CBC sample collected at room temperature?
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?
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?
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?
Why is capillary blood considered an excellent specimen for morphology in a CBC test?
What should be ensured for a sample to maintain its integrity before analysis?
What should be ensured for a sample to maintain its integrity before analysis?
What is indicated by a flag from an automated blood cell analyzer?
What is indicated by a flag from an automated blood cell analyzer?
Which type of anticoagulant is considered unsatisfactory for hematology testing?
Which type of anticoagulant is considered unsatisfactory for hematology testing?
What components are included in the composite of cells found in peripheral blood of healthy individuals?
What components are included in the composite of cells found in peripheral blood of healthy individuals?
What is the primary role of reticulocytes in the bloodstream?
What is the primary role of reticulocytes in the bloodstream?
Which of the following tests involves staining specific cellular components to assess their morphology?
Which of the following tests involves staining specific cellular components to assess their morphology?
Which of the following is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the blood?
Which of the following is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the blood?
What is the average diameter of a normal, mature red blood cell (RBC)?
What is the average diameter of a normal, mature red blood cell (RBC)?
Which of the following components is NOT part of the coagulation process?
Which of the following components is NOT part of the coagulation process?
What does a higher percentage of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) indicate?
What does a higher percentage of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) indicate?
What characteristic defines a healthy red blood cell under microscopic examination?
What characteristic defines a healthy red blood cell under microscopic examination?
Which advanced hematology test enables analysis of cellular characteristics through flow cytometry?
Which advanced hematology test enables analysis of cellular characteristics through flow cytometry?
What type of clustering is indicated by the presence of leukocytosis in a CBC test?
What type of clustering is indicated by the presence of leukocytosis in a CBC test?
What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
Which method is employed to count white blood cells using a hemocytometer?
Which method is employed to count white blood cells using a hemocytometer?
Which parameter describes a blood smear examination technique?
Which parameter describes a blood smear examination technique?
What does an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally indicate?
What does an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally indicate?
What are the two major classifications of white blood cells?
What are the two major classifications of white blood cells?
Which condition describes a reduced platelet count?
Which condition describes a reduced platelet count?
What is indicated by the term 'shift to the left' in a CBC test?
What is indicated by the term 'shift to the left' in a CBC test?
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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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