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Questions and Answers
What mechanism allows the pipette to fill automatically with blood?
What mechanism allows the pipette to fill automatically with blood?
Capillary action.
How is excess blood removed from the pipette after filling?
How is excess blood removed from the pipette after filling?
By squeezing the reservoir to apply negative pressure.
What formula is used to calculate platelet count?
What formula is used to calculate platelet count?
Platelet count = # of Cells x 10 x 200/4.
What is the reference range for a normal platelet count?
What is the reference range for a normal platelet count?
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Why is it necessary to cover the overflow chamber of the pipette during the procedure?
Why is it necessary to cover the overflow chamber of the pipette during the procedure?
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What does an elevated Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) suggest about platelet size and bone marrow activity?
What does an elevated Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) suggest about platelet size and bone marrow activity?
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How does accurate platelet counting impact the management of thrombocytopenia?
How does accurate platelet counting impact the management of thrombocytopenia?
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What is the primary use of a hemocytometer in clinical settings?
What is the primary use of a hemocytometer in clinical settings?
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What conditions are associated with platelet overactivation?
What conditions are associated with platelet overactivation?
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In what microbiological applications is a hemocytometer utilized?
In what microbiological applications is a hemocytometer utilized?
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Why is it important to understand the implications of platelet disorders?
Why is it important to understand the implications of platelet disorders?
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What role does an automated analyzer play in platelet counting?
What role does an automated analyzer play in platelet counting?
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What are the potential consequences of mismanagement in thrombocytosis?
What are the potential consequences of mismanagement in thrombocytosis?
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What are the main advantages of manual platelet counting over automated methods, particularly in resource-limited settings?
What are the main advantages of manual platelet counting over automated methods, particularly in resource-limited settings?
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Explain how operator skill affects the accuracy of manual platelet counting.
Explain how operator skill affects the accuracy of manual platelet counting.
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Identify a clinical situation where manual platelet counting serves as a backup or verification method.
Identify a clinical situation where manual platelet counting serves as a backup or verification method.
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Discuss the significance of hypogranular platelets and the conditions they may suggest.
Discuss the significance of hypogranular platelets and the conditions they may suggest.
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How does manual platelet counting facilitate hematological studies despite the prevalence of automation?
How does manual platelet counting facilitate hematological studies despite the prevalence of automation?
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What is the significance of the fixed distance the coverslip is held from the grid in a hemocytometer?
What is the significance of the fixed distance the coverslip is held from the grid in a hemocytometer?
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Describe the grid structure of the central square in the hemocytometer.
Describe the grid structure of the central square in the hemocytometer.
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What is the purpose of diluting the sample when preparing to use a hemocytometer?
What is the purpose of diluting the sample when preparing to use a hemocytometer?
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How does the design of the coverslip enhance the function of the hemocytometer?
How does the design of the coverslip enhance the function of the hemocytometer?
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What specific rules must be followed when counting cells in a hemocytometer to avoid double-counting?
What specific rules must be followed when counting cells in a hemocytometer to avoid double-counting?
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What types of cells are counted in the central square versus the four corner squares of a hemocytometer?
What types of cells are counted in the central square versus the four corner squares of a hemocytometer?
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Why is thorough mixing of the sample essential before loading it onto the hemocytometer?
Why is thorough mixing of the sample essential before loading it onto the hemocytometer?
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What is the dimension of each medium square in the central square of a hemocytometer?
What is the dimension of each medium square in the central square of a hemocytometer?
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What is the significance of allowing the blood to mix with the diluent in platelet analysis?
What is the significance of allowing the blood to mix with the diluent in platelet analysis?
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List two potential causes of thrombocytopenia.
List two potential causes of thrombocytopenia.
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How is the platelet count calculated from the hemocytometer readings?
How is the platelet count calculated from the hemocytometer readings?
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What can abnormal platelet morphology indicate?
What can abnormal platelet morphology indicate?
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What are the potential risks associated with thrombocytosis?
What are the potential risks associated with thrombocytosis?
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Why is it necessary to let the mixture stand for 10 minutes before counting platelets?
Why is it necessary to let the mixture stand for 10 minutes before counting platelets?
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What steps should be taken after charging the hemocytometer and before mounting it on the microscope?
What steps should be taken after charging the hemocytometer and before mounting it on the microscope?
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What might easy bruising and prolonged bleeding signify in a patient?
What might easy bruising and prolonged bleeding signify in a patient?
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What advantages does the manual method of direct platelet counting offer in laboratories without automated platelet counters?
What advantages does the manual method of direct platelet counting offer in laboratories without automated platelet counters?
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Identify two potential limitations of the manual direct platelet counting method.
Identify two potential limitations of the manual direct platelet counting method.
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What is the purpose of the Reese and Ecker fluid in the platelet counting procedure?
What is the purpose of the Reese and Ecker fluid in the platelet counting procedure?
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Describe the role of the hemocytometer in the counting process.
Describe the role of the hemocytometer in the counting process.
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List the components included in the Unopette system for direct platelet counting.
List the components included in the Unopette system for direct platelet counting.
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Why might it be difficult to accurately count platelets in cases of severe thrombocytopenia?
Why might it be difficult to accurately count platelets in cases of severe thrombocytopenia?
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What steps must be taken to prepare the hemocytometer for counting?
What steps must be taken to prepare the hemocytometer for counting?
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Explain the importance of wiping off blood on the pipette tip during sample preparation.
Explain the importance of wiping off blood on the pipette tip during sample preparation.
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How does the mixing device in the Unopette system contribute to the platelet counting process?
How does the mixing device in the Unopette system contribute to the platelet counting process?
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What factors can interfere with the accuracy of manual platelet counts?
What factors can interfere with the accuracy of manual platelet counts?
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Study Notes
Platelet Count (Direct)
- Platelets maintain blood vessel integrity, initiate repairs, adhere to damaged vessels, and aggregate.
- Secrete proteins and small molecules for clot formation (thrombosis).
- Crucial for hemostasis (wound sealing, vessel repair).
- Platelets are small, round or oval, anucleate, and granular.
- Formed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.
- 2-4 µm in diameter.
High Platelet Counts (Thrombocytosis)
- High platelet counts may indicate inflammation or trauma, the body increasing platelet production for healing.
- Essential thrombocythemia: a rare malignant condition with extremely high platelets and uncontrolled production.
Low Platelet Counts (Thrombocytopenia)
- Often caused by medications.
- Leads to easy bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, and risk of hemorrhaging.
- Disrupts hemostasis, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Counting and Analysis
- Platelets are counted visually using a hemocytometer or automated analyzers.
- Automated analyzers provide more accurate counts and calculate Mean Platelet Volume (MPV).
- Elevated MPV suggests larger platelets; potentially indicating bone marrow regeneration.
Significance
- Accurate platelet counts are essential for diagnosing conditions like thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.
- Platelet disorders contribute to various hematologic and vascular diseases.
Conditions Associated with Platelets
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary emboli
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Peripheral artery disease
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Overactivation can disrupt pregnancy.
Hemocytometer
- Specialized chamber for blood cell counting.
- Used to calculate cell concentrations in samples.
- Useful when automated counters are unavailable or impractical.
Hemocytometer Structure
- Thick glass slide with a rectangular indentation forming a chamber.
- Grid etched on the surface.
Procedures in Using a Hemocytometer
- Prepare the sample: dilute if necessary to ensure measurable cell concentrations and proper mixing.
- Load the sample into the chamber, evenly distributing the solution without overfilling.
- Use a microscope to count cells within designated squares.
- The procedures include rules for inclusion and exclusion.
- Exclude cells that touch the bottom or right edges of the square.
- Include cells touching top and left edges of the square.
- Calculate results according to the formula provided.
Materials and Equipment Used
- Pipettes for diluting samples.
- Microscopes for visualization.
- Diluting fluids.
- Hemocytometer.
- Coverslips (appropriate thickness).
Direct Platelet Count (Reese and Ecker Method)
- Manual technique used to count platelets.
- Used with a hemocytometer.
- Dilutes the whole blood and stains platelets.
- Manual counting on a defined volume in the chamber.
- Calculates the platelets per microliter of blood.
Direct Platelet Count (Unopette System)
- Self-contained unit includes capillary pipette, diluent reservoir, protective sleeve, and mixing device.
- Simplifies the process of diluting and counting blood cells, accurately providing results.
Platelet Morphology Assessment
- Abnormal platelet morphology may indicate:
- Macrothrombocytes (giant platelets).
- Hypogranular platelets (reduced granules).
- These can suggest conditions such as myeloproliferative disorders or other inherited conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on platelet counts, their role in hemostasis, and conditions related to abnormal platelet levels. This quiz covers aspects of thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia, including causes and implications of high and low platelet counts.