Overcoming Fear of Blood Drawals

Questions and Answers

Why does the speaker of the passage dislike getting their blood drawn?

Because they are afraid of needles

What happens to the blood immediately after it is drawn?

It is put into a tube

What is special about the tube that the blood is put into?

It has a chemical that prevents the blood from clotting

Why is it important that the blood does not clot?

Because it would be hard to do any sort of lab work on it Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the tubes of blood in the lab?

They are attached to a machine that spins them Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the machine in the lab?

To spin the blood Signup and view all the answers

Why do people sometimes gently shake the tube of blood?

To mix the blood Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the tubes while they are being spun by the machine?

They are attached so they don't fly away Signup and view all the answers

What is the force created when tubes spin during centrifugation?

Centrifugal force Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of total volume of blood that is made up of plasma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of plasma?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of albumin in plasma?

Keeps liquid from leaking out of blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the layer below plasma in a centrifuged blood sample?

Cellular layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of plasma made up of protein?

8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fibrinogen in plasma?

Involved in clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of antibodies in plasma?

Involved in immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the machine used in centrifugation?

Centrifuge Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of total blood volume made up of white blood cells and platelets?

Less than 1% Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood according to the diagram?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between plasma and serum?

Serum does not contain fibrinogen and clotting factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the percentage of blood volume taken up by red blood cells?

Hematocrit Signup and view all the answers

Why would someone living at the top of a mountain have a different hematocrit than someone living at sea level?

Because of the different altitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for having a high volume of red blood cells in the blood?

Polycythemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of red blood cells in the blood?

To carry oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of platelets in the blood?

<1% Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the second and third person's blood samples in the diagram?

The second person has more red blood cells, the third person has less Signup and view all the answers

What is the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen?

Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the third person's blood sample in the diagram?

They have a low hematocrit level Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Drawing and Testing

Blood is drawn into a special tube that contains a chemical to prevent clotting, ensuring easy lab work.
The tube is gently shaken to ensure good mixing and prevent clotting.

Centrifugation Process

The blood is then taken to the lab and put into a machine called a centrifuge.
The centrifuge spins the blood at high speed, creating a centrifugal force that separates the blood into different layers.
The heavy parts of the blood move to the tip of the tube, while the less dense parts rise to the top.

Layers of Blood

Plasma: The top layer, making up about 55% of the blood, is the least dense and contains mostly water (90%) and proteins (8%), such as albumin, antibodies, and fibrinogen.
White Blood Cells and Platelets: The second layer contains white blood cells and platelets, making up less than 1% of the blood.
Red Blood Cells: The bottom layer, making up about 45% of the blood, contains red blood cells, which carry oxygen and have hemoglobin.

Serum vs. Plasma

Serum is similar to plasma, but it does not contain fibrinogen and clotting factors.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the percentage of the total blood volume taken up by red blood cells.
It is an important measurement that can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and altitude.

Examples of Hematocrit

A person with a high hematocrit (e.g., 60%) has polycythemia, meaning they have a high volume of red blood cells.
A person with a low hematocrit (e.g., 30%) has anemia, meaning they have a low volume of red blood cells.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Learn how to cope with the anxiety of getting blood drawn at the doctor's office. Discover strategies to overcome fear and make the process less stressful.