Introduction to Haematology Quiz

Introduction to Haematology

• Haematology is the branch of medicine focused on blood diseases.
• It studies blood cells, clotting factors, and blood formation (bone marrow).
• Blood components studied include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

• Erythrocytes are the most abundant blood cells, transporting oxygen.
• They contain haemoglobin, which binds oxygen.
• Normal erythrocyte lifespan is about 120 days.
• Erythropoiesis occurs in bone marrow, producing erythrocytes.
• Reduced erythrocyte function/production causes anaemia.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

• Leukocytes are part of the immune system, protecting against infection.
• Leukocytes, like neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, have specific functions.
• Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis) is often due to infection.
• Decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia) can result from diseases or treatment.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

• Platelets are key to blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding.
• They stick to damaged blood vessels, triggering the clotting process.
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) increases bleeding risk.
• Elevated platelet count (thrombocytosis) may relate to various conditions.

Blood Coagulation

• Coagulation involves blood clotting, forming a fibrin network to stop bleeding.
• This process involves multiple clotting factors in a cascade.
• Coagulation disorders can cause bleeding (e.g., haemophilia) or clotting issues (e.g., deep vein thrombosis).

Haemoglobin

• Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
• Different haemoglobin forms exist; abnormal forms cause diseases like sickle cell anaemia.
• Haemoglobin levels indicate overall health and oxygen-carrying ability.

Bone Marrow

• Bone marrow is the site of blood cell production.
• Stem cells in bone marrow differentiate into various blood cell types.
• Bone marrow problems affect blood cell production, leading to diseases.
• Bone marrow biopsies are crucial diagnostic tools.

Blood Disorders

• Blood disorders affect different blood components.
• Anaemias involve reduced red blood cell count or haemoglobin levels.
• Leukaemias are cancers of blood and bone marrow, affecting white blood cell production.
• Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system and lymphocytes.
• Coagulation disorders impact blood clotting processes.
• Haemoglobinopathies result from abnormal haemoglobin structure, leading to diseases.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Complete blood counts (CBCs) measure red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and other parameters.
• Peripheral blood smears examine blood cells' morphology and abnormalities.
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy assess bone marrow's blood-forming activity.
• Blood chemistry tests analyze blood substances and organ function.
• Coagulation tests evaluate blood's clotting ability.

Treatments for Blood Disorders

• Blood disorder treatments vary by the specific disorder.
• Medications, transfusions, and bone marrow transplantation are used.
• Supportive care is important in managing blood disorder complications.