Practical Physiology: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

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Questions and Answers

What does ESR stand for in the context of the given text?

Erythrocyte Synthesis Rate

Erythrocyte Sedation Rate

Erythrocyte Settling Rate

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (correct)

What is the purpose of using a Westergren tube in the ESR test?

To detect autoimmune diseases

To detect inflammation caused by infections

To measure the distance at which the red blood cells fall in one hour (correct)

To measure the amount of red blood cells in the blood

What is the significance of using the Wintrobe method for ESR measurement?

It uses a special timer and Wintrobe tube for measurement (correct)

It is used for detecting cancer

It requires less specialized equipment

It provides a faster measurement of ESR

In what units is the ESR result typically reported?

Millimeters per hour Signup and view all the answers

What does a high ESR level indicate?

Presence of inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ESR test considered a non-specific measure of inflammation?

It may be elevated in various conditions including infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing the Wintrobe tube in an isolated area free from vibrations?

To prevent any interference with the sedimentation process Signup and view all the answers

What factor can lead to a false high result in the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

Vibration during the testing process Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ensuring a standard amount of anticoagulant is used in the Wintrobe tube?

Affects the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What effect does anemia have on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

Increases ESR due to changes in plasma protein concentration Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a decrease in the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

Elevated plasma viscosity Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to regulate the room temperature during Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) testing?

Keep the room temperature near 20⁰C Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plasma albumin in the sedimentation of RBCs?

Retards the sedimentation of RBCs Signup and view all the answers

What factor can lead to an increase in the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

Increased RBC mass due to polycythemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a false high result in Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) testing?

Vibration during testing Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Wintrobe tube is not placed absolutely vertical to the table?

Inaccurate recording of erythrocyte column level Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the given text, what is the primary purpose of conducting the osmotic fragility test?

To measure the resistance of RBCs to hemolysis in dilute saline solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Osmosis requires energy, while diffusion does not Signup and view all the answers

What happens to red blood cells when suspended in a hypertonic solution?

They shrink Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can be diagnosed using the osmotic fragility test?

Congenital spherocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What does an isotonic solution signify in the context of red blood cells?

There will be no change in cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of moving solvent particles across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration called?

Osmosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of a hypotonic solution on cells?

Cells swell up due to solvent concentration higher than solute Signup and view all the answers

What happens to red blood cells in an isotonic solution?

They remain unchanged Signup and view all the answers

What is the molarity of a solution if it contains 2 moles of solute in 1 liter of solution?

2 M Signup and view all the answers

In the given procedure, at what NaCl concentration does hemolysis start?

0.5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between osmolarity and the number of active particles in a solution?

Directly proportional Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of centrifugation in the given procedure?

To separate the solutions from the blood Signup and view all the answers

At what concentration does hemolysis complete according to the given procedure?

0.35% Signup and view all the answers

In spherocytosis, at what NaCl concentration does hemolysis start earlier?

0.3% Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating osmolarity?

$Molarity \times Active particles$ Signup and view all the answers

"What quantity does 1 osmotically active particle represent in a solution?"

$1$ Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Westergren tube is used to measure ESR, allowing RBCs to settle and measure the rate of sedimentation
Wintrobe method is used for ESR measurement, which provides a more accurate result
ESR result is typically reported in mm/h
High ESR level indicates inflammation, infection, or tissue damage
ESR test is a non-specific measure of inflammation, as it does not specify the cause of inflammation
Wintrobe tube should be placed in an isolated area free from vibrations to ensure accurate results
Presence of agglutinated RBCs can lead to a false high result in ESR
Standard amount of anticoagulant should be used in the Wintrobe tube to prevent clotting
Anemia can lead to an increased ESR
Decreased ESR can be caused by high RBC count, sickle cell anemia, or polycythemia vera
Room temperature should be regulated during ESR testing to prevent temperature-related errors
Plasma albumin plays a role in the sedimentation of RBCs
Factors that can increase ESR include inflammation, infection, and tissue damage
Primary cause of a false high result in ESR testing is the presence of agglutinated RBCs
If the Wintrobe tube is not placed absolutely vertical to the table, it can lead to inaccurate results

Osmotic Fragility Test

Osmotic fragility test is used to diagnose hereditary spherocytosis
Osmosis is the movement of solvent particles across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration
Diffusion is the movement of particles from higher to lower concentration
Red blood cells in a hypertonic solution shrink and become more permeable
Isotonic solution signifies equal concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell
Osmosis is the process of moving solvent particles across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration
Hypotonic solution causes cells to swell and eventually lyse
Red blood cells in an isotonic solution maintain their shape and size
Molarity of a solution with 2 moles of solute in 1 liter of solution is 2M
Hemolysis starts at 0.48% NaCl concentration
Osmolarity is directly proportional to the number of active particles in a solution
Centrifugation is used to separate the supernatant from the red blood cells
Hemolysis completes at 0.30% NaCl concentration
In spherocytosis, hemolysis starts earlier, at around 0.60% NaCl concentration
Formula for calculating osmolarity is osmolarity = Σ(n × φ)
One osmotically active particle represents 1 mole of solute per liter of solution

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Description

This quiz covers the practical aspect of measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in anticoagulated whole blood. It includes the procedure for performing the test and its significance as a non-specific measure of inflammation.