Full Blood Count

Questions and Answers

What is the primary method used in Optical cell counting automation?

Absorption and fluorescence techniques (correct)

Electrical impedance measurement

Centrifugation for size separation

Chemical staining and dyeing

Which component of the Aperture Impedance Counter is involved in measuring electrical impedance?

Suction mechanism

Internal Electrode (correct)

External Electrode

Glass Aperture Tube

What does a change in electrical impedance represent in the Aperture Impedance Principle?

The concentration of electrolytes

The type of particles present

The volume of particles passing through the aperture (correct)

The temperature of the sample

What is a limitation of basic Aperture Impedance Counting when analyzing cell populations?

Difficulty in counting mixed populations like RBCs and platelets Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Optical method complement the Aperture Impedance method in cell counting automation?

Each method leverages different strengths for improved accuracy Signup and view all the answers

How does the vortex behind the aperture affect the counting process in basic Aperture Impedance Counting?

It can lead to inaccuracies during the counting process Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size range of the aperture in Aperture Impedance Counters?

50-100μm Signup and view all the answers

What impact do shear forces near the aperture have during counting?

They can deform cells and affect accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What additional challenge is brought by the detection zone extending on either side of the aperture?

Potential interference from neighboring particles Signup and view all the answers

What primary capability does the Aperture Impedance Counter have in cell counting?

Accurate counting and sizing of cells Signup and view all the answers

What does a Reticulocyte count specifically measure in the blood?

The percentage of young, immature red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What do 'Flags' indicate in a Full Blood Count?

Abnormal findings in blood parameters Signup and view all the answers

For which condition might a Full Blood Count NOT typically be conducted?

Allergy testing Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Defensive Medicine' in the context of a Full Blood Count?

Ordering tests to ensure thorough evaluations and mitigate legal risks Signup and view all the answers

Why is a Full Blood Count performed for reassurance?

To provide reassurance by ruling out significant blood-related abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Haemocytometer Slide serve?

It counts and categorizes blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Hemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) after centrifugation?

Hemoglobin is found at the top of the plasma Signup and view all the answers

How is Packed Cell Volume (PCV) calculated as a percentage?

PCV % = (Height of RBC column / Total height of blood column) × 100 Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT one of the principal methods of cell counting automation?

Centrifugation technique Signup and view all the answers

What does the Aperture Impedance method measure in cell counting automation?

Changes in electrical impedance as cells pass through an aperture Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Haematocrit in a Full Blood Count?

The ratio of total RBC volume to whole blood volume Signup and view all the answers

What does MCV stand for in the context of a Full Blood Count?

Mean Cell Volume Signup and view all the answers

What is MCH in the context of a Full Blood Count?

Mean Cell Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What does RDW stand for in a Full Blood Count?

Red Cell Distribution Width Signup and view all the answers

What can an elevated Immature Granulocyte count in a Full Blood Count suggest?

Inflammatory or infectious process Signup and view all the answers

What does the Nucleated RBC count indicate in a Full Blood Count?

Presence of red blood cells containing a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Reticulocyte count in a Full Blood Count?

Determines the production rate of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What does MCHC stand for in the context of a Full Blood Count?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of Sheath Stream Focussing in cell counting?

To ensure a stream of separate cells accurately focused in the counting zone Signup and view all the answers

What potential error can occur if cells pass through the detector side by side?

Coincidence errors leading to sizing and counting errors Signup and view all the answers

Why are basophils resistant to acid lysis in Differential Lysis?

They are not significantly affected by acidic conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does narrow angle forward scatter contribute to cell analysis in Optical Cell Counting?

It is proportional to cell volume Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does wider angle scatter provide in Optical Cell Counting?

The refractive index used to measure hemoglobin concentration or granularity Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of Sheath Stream Focussing, which issue may arise during cell counting?

Errors due to cells being in different planes Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'SFL' represent in Sysmex Optical WBC Differential Counting?

Small Forward Light Signup and view all the answers

In what types of cell counting methods is Differential Lysis commonly utilized?

In both aperture impedance and optical cell counting methods Signup and view all the answers

Which component in Optical Cell Counting is used to enhance contrast in optical microscopy?

Darkfield Stop Disk Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the number of pulses and cell count in Optical Cell Counting?

The number of pulses is directly proportional to the cell count Signup and view all the answers

What does FSC represent in Sysmex Optical WBC Differential Counting?

Forward Scatter Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter does SSC in Sysmex Optical WBC Differential Counting provide information about?

Cell Granularity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of acid differential lysis in the WBC/Baso channel of Sysmex?

To shrink non-basophil WBCs Signup and view all the answers

What could be a possible cause for anemia in a patient who has had a gastrectomy?

Malabsorption Signup and view all the answers

What does elevated WBC and Neut indicate in a patient presenting with fainting and abdominal pain?

Acute infection or inflammatory process Signup and view all the answers

Which condition might be suggested by low Platelets and low Neutrophils in a patient with pyrexia and lymphadenopathy?

Viral or bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What does an elevated MCHC suggest in a child with lethargy and jaundice?

Possible iron deficiency or Thalassemia Signup and view all the answers

What might low Hb and low RBC in a patient with weakness and bone pain indicate?

Underlying hematological disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms are likely associated with Thrombocytopenia in a patient?

Impaired blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

What possible condition could result in pins and needles in a patient following a gastrectomy?

Nutritional deficiency (e.g., B12) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Full Blood Count (FBC) Parameters

Includes WBC, RBC, Hb, Haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and platelet count.
WBC count assesses immune response; differential count identifies specific white blood cell types.
RBC count measures red blood cells' quantity; Hb level indicates oxygen-carrying capacity.
Haematocrit represents the percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs.
MCV (Mean Cell Volume) indicates average RBC size.
MCH (Mean Cell Hemoglobin) measures average hemoglobin content per RBC.
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) reflects hemoglobin concentration in RBCs.
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) measures variability in RBC size.
Immature Granulocyte count can indicate inflammation or infection.
Nucleated RBC count signals possible medical conditions; elevated levels are concerning.
Reticulocyte count evaluates bone marrow activity and immature RBC production.

Clinical Uses of Full Blood Count

Helps diagnose conditions such as anemia, infection, and malignancy.
Monitors disease progression or response to treatment.
Acts as defensive medicine to cover diagnostic thoroughness.
Provides reassurance by confirming normal blood parameters.
Utilized in routine health screenings for early detection of potential issues.

Haemocytometer and Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

Haemocytometer is used for manual counting of blood cells.
PCV (Packed Cell Volume) is obtained post-centrifugation, reflecting RBC proportion.
Calculated as the height of the RBC column over total blood column height, expressed as a percentage.
Sealed capillary tube method involves centrifuging blood to gauge PCV accurately.

Automation in Cell Counting

Two principal methods: Aperture Impedance and Optical methods.
Aperture Impedance counts cells by measuring electrical impedance changes through a small aperture.
Optical method utilizes light scattering to analyze cellular characteristics, such as size and granularity.
Combining both methods enhances analysis accuracy.

Challenges in Aperture Impedance Counting

Issues include vortex effects, shear forces, and cell orientation affecting accuracy.
Difficulties arise in counting mixed populations, such as RBCs and platelets.
Sheath Stream Focussing improves cell separation and accuracy in mixed populations.

Differential Lysis and Optical Cell Counting

Differential Lysis selectively lyses WBCs to differentiate populations effectively.
Basophils resist acid lysis; eosinophils show resistance to alkaline lysis.
Optical Cell Counting components include a light source, flow-cell, and detection mechanisms.
Pulses correlate to cell counts, and light scatter provides details on cell volume and granularity.

Clinical Cases Interpretation

Female, 75 years: Tired, poor diet suggesting potential anemia and malnutrition-related issues.
Male, 55 years: Previous gastrectomy with pins and needles—signs of possible anemia (B12 deficiency).
Female, 18 years: Symptoms suggest thrombocytopenia and neutropenia potentially due to infections.
Female, 4 years: Anemia with jaundice implies underlying hematological disorder; possible iron deficiency.
Male, 75 years: Weakness and bone pain point towards anemia with potential bone marrow involvement.

Conclusion

Full Blood Count serves as a fundamental diagnostic tool, guiding clinicians in identifying disorders and monitoring health.
Automated and manual methodologies enhance precision and comprehensive analysis of cell populations and characteristics.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the traditional parameters included in a Full Blood Count (FBC), focusing on metrics such as WBC count, RBC count, and hemoglobin levels. Additionally, you'll learn about haematocrit and its significance in evaluating blood health.