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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of platelets in the blood?
What is the main function of platelets in the blood?
What is the average volume of blood in the human body?
What is the average volume of blood in the human body?
What are red blood cells (RBCs) primarily filled with to facilitate oxygen transport?
What are red blood cells (RBCs) primarily filled with to facilitate oxygen transport?
Which of the following is a crucial test for predicting blood and systemic diseases?
Which of the following is a crucial test for predicting blood and systemic diseases?
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What is the normal appearance of red blood cells?
What is the normal appearance of red blood cells?
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Which component of blood is involved in the removal of waste from tissues?
Which component of blood is involved in the removal of waste from tissues?
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What is the significance of measuring hemoglobin using Drabkin reagent?
What is the significance of measuring hemoglobin using Drabkin reagent?
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What is the size classification of red blood cells?
What is the size classification of red blood cells?
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What does a high platelet count indicate in a patient?
What does a high platelet count indicate in a patient?
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Which sign must be present on containers dealing with potentially infectious specimens?
Which sign must be present on containers dealing with potentially infectious specimens?
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What condition is indicated by a low platelet count?
What condition is indicated by a low platelet count?
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Which type of fire extinguisher is designated for use on energized electrical fires?
Which type of fire extinguisher is designated for use on energized electrical fires?
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What is one of the primary functions of neutrophils?
What is one of the primary functions of neutrophils?
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Which of the following is a potential consequence of thrombocytopenia?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of thrombocytopenia?
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Which of the following diseases can be transmitted through potentially infectious specimens?
Which of the following diseases can be transmitted through potentially infectious specimens?
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What distinguishes band neutrophils from mature neutrophils?
What distinguishes band neutrophils from mature neutrophils?
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What is the main method of indirect transmission for pathogens in a laboratory setting?
What is the main method of indirect transmission for pathogens in a laboratory setting?
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Which type of white blood cell is characterized by bright orange-red granules?
Which type of white blood cell is characterized by bright orange-red granules?
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Which condition is associated with an increase in monocytes?
Which condition is associated with an increase in monocytes?
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Why is it crucial to observe infection control policies in phlebotomy?
Why is it crucial to observe infection control policies in phlebotomy?
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What is the size range of platelets?
What is the size range of platelets?
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How do platelets contribute to hemostasis?
How do platelets contribute to hemostasis?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of platelets?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of platelets?
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What is the role of basophils in the immune response?
What is the role of basophils in the immune response?
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What is the primary role of red blood cells (RBCs)?
What is the primary role of red blood cells (RBCs)?
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Which of the following best defines hematocrit (HCT)?
Which of the following best defines hematocrit (HCT)?
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What condition is lymphocytosis often associated with?
What condition is lymphocytosis often associated with?
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What is the function of monocytes in the immune system?
What is the function of monocytes in the immune system?
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Which of the following RBC indices reflects the diameter of red blood cells?
Which of the following RBC indices reflects the diameter of red blood cells?
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What are the dark purple granules in certain white blood cells responsible for?
What are the dark purple granules in certain white blood cells responsible for?
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Which type of white blood cell is primarily associated with humoral and cell-mediated immunity?
Which type of white blood cell is primarily associated with humoral and cell-mediated immunity?
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What does the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) indicate?
What does the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) indicate?
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What is the recommended fasting duration before a blood test?
What is the recommended fasting duration before a blood test?
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What impact does smoking have on blood test results?
What impact does smoking have on blood test results?
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How does a patient's posture affect test results?
How does a patient's posture affect test results?
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What should be done to maintain standard precautions during venipuncture?
What should be done to maintain standard precautions during venipuncture?
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What is a physiological factor that can cause preanalytical variation in test results?
What is a physiological factor that can cause preanalytical variation in test results?
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What device can be used during venipuncture to help locate a vein?
What device can be used during venipuncture to help locate a vein?
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What is one effect of diurnal rhythm on physiological test results?
What is one effect of diurnal rhythm on physiological test results?
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What is the primary function of a tourniquet during venipuncture?
What is the primary function of a tourniquet during venipuncture?
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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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Description
Explore the pivotal role of platelets, or thrombocytes, in blood clotting and overall hematological function. This quiz covers blood volume, cell analysis, staining, and counting techniques essential for understanding hematology.