Hematology Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the normal range of hematocrit in adult females?

38% to 46%

Which hormone regulates the production of red blood cells?

Erythropoietin

What is the average diameter of a red blood cell?

7-8 microns

What is the term for a deficiency of red blood cells?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for anemia caused by chronic blood loss?

Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of blood in the human body?

To transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and clear tissues of carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for the formation of red blood cells?

Vitamin B-12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the liquid portion of blood called?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an inherited disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells?

Hereditary Spherocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate of red blood cell production?

2 million RBCs per second Signup and view all the answers

What are the three families of blood cells?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of blood cells called?

Hematology Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hematology laboratory tests?

To predict, detect, and diagnose blood diseases and systemic diseases that affect blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Who relies on hematology laboratory test results to select and monitor therapy for blood disorders?

Physicians Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the spherical cells when they are subjected to slight compression?

They easily rupture Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of sickle-cell anemia?

A genetic mutation causing abnormal beta chains Signup and view all the answers

How many major blood groups are there?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of antigens in blood typing?

Antigens are present on the red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of O negative blood?

It carries no antigen Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rh factor?

It is found on the surface of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of AB positive blood?

It carries no antibodies in the plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of the population with O blood type?

43% Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of platelets in blood?

150,000-400,000 per uL of blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of alpha granules in platelets?

To contain clotting factors and platelet-derived growth factor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of platelets in hemostasis?

To form a plug and release coagulation factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of a platelet?

2-4 um Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage of the blood clotting cascade?

Formation of fibrin threads Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of thrombin in the blood clotting cascade?

To convert fibrinogen to fibrin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of neutrophils in the body?

To engulf and phagocytose bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of WBCs made up of eosinophils?

2-4% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the formation of a stable blood clot?

Fibrin stabilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of blood clotting?

One is fast-acting and the other is slow-acting Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of basophils in the body?

To liberate heparin and histamines during allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of monocytes in the blood?

12-20 um Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lymphocytes in the body?

To produce antibodies and attack viruses and cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of platelets in the body?

To form blood clots and stop bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of WBCs made up of lymphocytes?

20-25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of neutrophils in terms of their nucleus?

Nucleus has 2-5 lobes Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of WBCs made up of monocytes?

3-8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of eosinophils in terms of their granules?

Large red granules Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Hematology

Hematology is the study of blood cells, including their production, function, and disorders.
Blood is a liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and wastes throughout the body.
The average human has 5 liters of blood, which is composed of plasma and formed elements (blood cells).

Components of Normal Adult Blood

The formed elements of blood include:
- Red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes)
- White blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes)
- Platelets (thrombocytes)

Formation of Blood Cells (Hemopoiesis)

Blood cells are produced through the process of hemopoiesis, which is regulated by hormones:
- Erythropoietin (RBCs)
- Thrombopoietin (platelets)
- Colony-stimulating factors (WBCs)

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Characteristics:
- Contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen
- 4.8-5.4 million RBCs per microliter
- Produced at a rate of 2 million per second
- Lack a nucleus (anucleate)
- Biconcave disk shape to increase surface-to-volume ratio
- Diameter of 7-8 microns

Changes in Hemoglobin

Anemia: a deficiency of RBCs or hemoglobin
Types of anemia:
- Blood loss anemia
- Microcytic hypochromic anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
Sickle-cell anemia: a genetic disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin

Blood Types and Blood Banking

ABO blood group system:
- Four main groups: A, B, AB, and O
- Inherited from parents
- Antigens and antibodies determine blood type
Rh factor:
- Found on the surface of RBCs
- Can be positive or negative
- Phenotypically positive or negative

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Types of WBCs:
- Granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils)
- Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells)
- Monocytes
Functions:
- Phagocytosis
- Antibody production
- Cellular immunity

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Characteristics:
- Smallest cells in the blood
- Formed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow
- Normal range: 130,000-400,000 per microliter
Functions:
- Coagulation and hemostasis
- Release of coagulation factors

Hemostasis and Blood Clotting

Process of stopping bleeding:
- Vascular phase
- Platelet phase
- Coagulation phase
Clotting cascade:
- Intrinsic pathway (slow acting)
- Common pathway
- Extrinsic pathway (fast acting)

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