Hematology: Introduction to Platelets

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of platelets in the blood?

  • Transporting nutrients
  • Carrying oxygen
  • Clotting (correct)
  • Removing waste

What is the average volume of blood in the human body?

  • 6 liters
  • 3 liters
  • 5 liters (correct)
  • 4 liters

What are red blood cells (RBCs) primarily filled with to facilitate oxygen transport?

  • Hemoglobin (correct)
  • Platelets
  • Plasma
  • Carbon dioxide

Which of the following is a crucial test for predicting blood and systemic diseases?

<p>Complete Blood Count (CBC) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal appearance of red blood cells?

<p>Pink to red with a central zone of pallor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of blood is involved in the removal of waste from tissues?

<p>Plasma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of measuring hemoglobin using Drabkin reagent?

<p>It converts to cyanmethemoglobin for absorbance measurement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the size classification of red blood cells?

<p>6-8 mm in diameter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a high platelet count indicate in a patient?

<p>A condition called thrombocytosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sign must be present on containers dealing with potentially infectious specimens?

<p>Biohazard sign. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by a low platelet count?

<p>Thrombocytopenia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire extinguisher is designated for use on energized electrical fires?

<p>Type C. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of neutrophils?

<p>Involved in bacterial infection response (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of thrombocytopenia?

<p>Easy bruising. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases can be transmitted through potentially infectious specimens?

<p>Syphilis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes band neutrophils from mature neutrophils?

<p>They are less mature and indicate a bacterial infection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main method of indirect transmission for pathogens in a laboratory setting?

<p>Touching contaminated surfaces and then the mouth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is characterized by bright orange-red granules?

<p>Eosinophils (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with an increase in monocytes?

<p>Infections and collagen-vascular diseases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to observe infection control policies in phlebotomy?

<p>To prevent transmission of pathogens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range of platelets?

<p>2 to 4 µm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do platelets contribute to hemostasis?

<p>They form aggregates to plug damaged vessels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of platelets?

<p>Diameter of 5 to 7 µm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of basophils in the immune response?

<p>Release histamines during allergic reactions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of red blood cells (RBCs)?

<p>Transport oxygen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines hematocrit (HCT)?

<p>Volume of red blood cells in whole blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is lymphocytosis often associated with?

<p>Viral infections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of monocytes in the immune system?

<p>Phagocytose foreign particles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following RBC indices reflects the diameter of red blood cells?

<p>Mean Cell Volume (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the dark purple granules in certain white blood cells responsible for?

<p>Releasing histamines (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is primarily associated with humoral and cell-mediated immunity?

<p>Lymphocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) indicate?

<p>Variability in RBC volume (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended fasting duration before a blood test?

<p>8 to 12 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does smoking have on blood test results?

<p>Increases white blood cell count (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a patient's posture affect test results?

<p>Shifts body water from intravascular to interstitial space (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to maintain standard precautions during venipuncture?

<p>Follow personal hygiene and use gloves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a physiological factor that can cause preanalytical variation in test results?

<p>Dietary habits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What device can be used during venipuncture to help locate a vein?

<p>Blood pressure cuff (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of diurnal rhythm on physiological test results?

<p>Fluctuations in body fluid dynamics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a tourniquet during venipuncture?

<p>To provide a barrier to venous blood flow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Introduction to Platelets

  • Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, play a vital role in blood clotting.

Hematology Overview

  • Hematology is the study of blood cells, including their staining, counting, and analysis.
  • Blood volume in an average adult is approximately 5 liters.

Functions of Blood

  • Transports oxygen from lungs to body tissues and removes carbon dioxide.
  • Facilitates transport of nutrients like glucose, proteins, and fats.
  • Removes waste products to liver and kidneys.
  • Plasma provides enzymes that protect blood vessels and maintain circulation.

Blood Components

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Anucleate biconcave cells filled with hemoglobin (HGB) for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport; size is 6-8 µm.
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): Defend against infection, comprised of several types including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Measurements

  • Hemoglobin levels assessed using Drabkin reagent, with plasma absorbance evaluated at 540 nm.
  • Hematocrit (HCT) measures the ratio of packed RBC volume to whole blood volume.

Red Blood Cell Indices

  • Mean Cell Volume (MCV): Reflects diameter of RBCs.
  • Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH): Represents mass of hemoglobin in individual cells.
  • Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Indicates staining intensity of RBCs.
  • RBC Distribution Width (RDW): Variability in RBC volume, important for diagnosing anemia and other disorders.

Types of White Blood Cells (WBCs)

  • Neutrophils: Phagocytic cells important for bacterial infections; band neutrophils indicate immature stages.
  • Eosinophils: Respond to allergies and infections with bright orange-red granules.
  • Basophils: Contain histamines, involved in allergic responses.
  • Lymphocytes: Crucial for immunity, with conditions like lymphocytosis and lymphopenia indicating various health issues.
  • Monocytes: Immature macrophages that assist in immune response; indicative conditions include monocytosis in infections.

Role of Platelets in Hemostasis

  • Platelets are crucial in sealing wounds, repairing blood vessel walls, and maintaining vascular integrity.
  • Size ranges from 2 to 4 µm; shape is round or oval and anucleate with a slightly granular appearance.

Clinical Significance of Platelets

  • Thrombocytosis: Elevated platelet count associated with inflammation or trauma; essential thrombocythemia is a serious condition.
  • Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count linked to drug treatment can lead to easy bruising and uncontrolled bleeding.

Blood Collection and Patient Safety

  • Treat specimens as potentially infectious due to possible pathogens like Hepatitis and HIV.
  • Importance of hand hygiene and wearing gloves during blood collection.
  • Ensure proper disposal of contaminated sharps and use of biohazard containers.

Physiologic Factors Affecting Test Results

  • Body posture changes fluid distribution affecting blood test results.
  • Diurnal rhythm indicates that body fluid levels fluctuate throughout the day, impacting various analytes.

Equipment for Venipuncture

  • Tourniquet: Creates a barrier to venous blood flow, aiding vein location.
  • Types include Velcro straps and blood pressure cuffs, applied several inches above the venipuncture site.

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