Serum vs. Plasma: Clotting Factors Explained
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a volumetric pipette?

To deliver a fixed volume of aqueous solution accurately.

How do Ostwald Folin pipettes differ from volumetric pipettes?

Ostwald Folin pipettes have the bulb closer to the delivery tip and are used to deliver viscous fluids.

What is a characteristic feature of graduated pipettes?

Graduated pipettes have volume increments marked along the tube for accurate measurement.

Why must serologic pipettes be blown out?

<p>They are calibrated to the tip and require blowing out to ensure the entire volume is delivered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a micropipette?

<p>Micropipettes are used for rapid, repetitive measurements and delivery of small volumes of liquids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper pipetting technique regarding the orientation of the pipette?

<p>The pipette should always be used in a vertical position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common error that occurs due to a loose pipette tip?

<p>A loose pipette tip can result in inaccurate liquid transfer and contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent air bubbles during pipetting?

<p>Avoiding quick release of the plunger is essential to prevent air bubbles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main clotting factor present in plasma samples and its role?

<p>Factor I – Fibrinogen is the main clotting factor present, and it is essential for the formation of blood clots.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two conditions associated with hyperfibrinogenemia.

<p>Conditions include infections and inflammatory disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of prothrombin in the clotting process?

<p>Prothrombin (Factor II) is crucial for the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, facilitating the clotting process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between serum and plasma regarding anticoagulants?

<p>Serum does not contain anticoagulants, while plasma contains EDTA as an anticoagulant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'semi-pipetting' and its benefits.

<p>Semi-pipetting refers to using equipment to remove human movements in pipetting, ideal for high-throughput applications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define qualitative testing in immunology.

<p>Qualitative testing produces a binary result, indicating the presence or absence of a substance or condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the risks associated with manual pipetting techniques?

<p>Manual pipetting can be time-consuming, lead to unreliable results, and increase the risk of repetitive strain injuries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lateral flow assay in immunological tests?

<p>The lateral flow assay is used to quickly detect the presence of a target analyte in a sample, often resulting in a visual indicator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the role of Factor VIII, also known as Antihemophilic Factor A.

<p>Factor VIII is vital for the stabilization of blood clotting and helps prevent excessive bleeding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Western Blot technique differ from the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)?

<p>Western Blot is used to detect specific proteins separated by gel electrophoresis, while ELISA quantifies antigens or antibodies in a sample.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hyperfibrinogenemia level is considered abnormal?

<p>A fibrinogen level above 400 mg/dl indicates hyperfibrinogenemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Factor VII – Proconvertin in coagulation?

<p>Factor VII is involved in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation, activating Factor X.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does quantitative testing involve in immunology?

<p>Quantitative testing involves numerical values to measure the concentration of a substance in a sample.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the tubes used to collect serum and plasma and their associated colors?

<p>Serum is collected using a red top tube, while plasma is collected using a purple/lavender top tube.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do agglutination tests play in immunology?

<p>Agglutination tests are used to detect antibodies or antigens in a sample by observing visible clumping.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of immunofluorescence antibody tests.

<p>Immunofluorescence antibody tests use fluorescent-labeled antibodies to visualize the presence and location of specific antigens in tissues or cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having platelet thrombosis in relation to cardiovascular health?

<p>Platelet thrombosis increases the risk of cardiovascular accidents due to unwanted clot formations in blood vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the components of the buffy coat layer and their roles.

<p>The buffy coat layer is composed of white blood cells and platelets, which are crucial for immune response and clotting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is mouth pipetting considered hazardous in a clinical laboratory?

<p>Mouth pipetting poses a risk of contamination and exposure to hazardous samples, making it unacceptable in clinical settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of leukocytes are involved in fighting infections and how do they differ?

<p>Granular leukocytes like neutrophils and eosinophils fight bacteria, fungi, and parasites, while agranular leukocytes like lymphocytes and monocytes target viruses and clean up dead cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of macrophages in the immune system.

<p>Macrophages, derived from monocytes, engulf large particles and pathogens, playing a critical role in immune defense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What procedures are involved in inactivating serum complements and why is this necessary?

<p>Serum complements can be inactivated by heating to 56° C for 30 minutes and then re-inactivated by heating for 10 minutes after 4 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do increased levels of buffy coat relate to health conditions such as leukemia?

<p>Increased buffy coat levels are associated with inflammation or infection, with leukemia being a common condition presenting with high levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of bubbles in clinical procedures?

<p>Bubbles can cause errors in measurement and delivery of samples, leading to inaccurate test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Serum

Blood without clotting factors, obtained by allowing blood to clot and separating the liquid portion.

Plasma

Blood containing anticoagulants. Prevents clotting, preserving the liquid blood components.

Qualitative Test

A test that determines if a substance is present or absent, providing a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

Quantitative Test

A test that measures the amount or concentration of a substance, giving numerical values.

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Agglutination

A process where particles clump together, like a 'clumping' reaction.

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Precipitation

A process where soluble substances form a visible precipitate, like a 'cloudy' reaction.

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Lateral Flow Assay

A test using 'strips' with specific binding sites for target molecules. Detects presence or absence.

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Immunofluorescence Antibody Test

A test using fluorescence to identify specific molecules, useful for various biological tests.

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Thrombosis

A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel, blocking blood flow.

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Pulmonary Embolism

A type of thrombosis that occurs in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot traveling from the legs.

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Buffy Coat

The layer of blood that forms after centrifugation and contains white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets.

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Neutrophil

A type of white blood cell that fights bacteria and fungi.

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Basophil

A type of white blood cell that responds to inflammation.

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Eosinophil

A type of white blood cell that fights parasites and responds to allergic reactions.

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Monocyte

A type of white blood cell that cleans up dead cells and cellular debris.

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Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell that fights viruses and produces antibodies.

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Volumetric Pipette

A pipette designed to accurately deliver a fixed volume of liquid. It features a bulb closer to the center and is typically 'To Deliver' (TD).

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Ostwald Folin Pipette

A pipette designed for delivering viscous fluids (thick liquids). The bulb is positioned closer to the delivery tip. It is also a 'To Deliver' (TD) pipette and requires 'blowing out' for accurate delivery.

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Graduated Pipette

A pipette with graduated markings along the tube, enabling the transfer of varying liquid volumes.

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Serological Pipette

A type of graduated pipette with a larger orifice (tip opening), making liquid transfer faster. Requires 'blowing out' to deliver the full volume.

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Mohr Pipette

A graduated pipette that is calibrated between marks. It cannot be 'blown out' to deliver the full volume.

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Micropipette

A pipette that allows for precise, repeated delivery of small volumes of liquids. Often used in laboratories for reagent and specimen handling.

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Proper Pipetting Techniques

Pipetting techniques that aim to minimize contamination and maximize precision.

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Common Pipetting Errors

Common errors that can occur when using a pipette, potentially leading to inaccurate results.

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Fibrinogen (Factor I)

A protein responsible for forming blood clots. It plays a crucial role in stopping bleeding.

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Prothrombin (Factor II)

Another crucial protein involved in blood clotting. It is converted to thrombin, which is essential for fibrinogen conversion into fibrin.

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Proconvertin (Factor VII)

A protein that helps activate Factor X, another important clotting factor.

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Antihemophilic Factor A (Factor VIII)

A clotting factor essential for blood clotting and responsible for forming a stable clot.

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Christmas Factor (Factor IX)

A protein involved in the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. It helps activate Factor X.

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Stuart-Prower Factor (Factor X)

A coagulation protein involved in the common pathway of blood coagulation. It helps activate prothrombin.

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Plasma Thromboplastin Antecedent (Factor XI)

Plasma Thromboplastin Antecedent, helps activate Factor IX (Christmas Factor).

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Hageman Factor (Factor XII)

A protein that activates Factor XII and plays a role in the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.

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Study Notes

Serum vs. Plasma

  • Serum is blood with clotting factors removed.
  • Plasma is blood with anti-coagulants added; clotting factors remain.
  • Serum is obtained by allowing blood to clot, then separating the liquid (serum) from the clotted portion.
  • Plasma is obtained by adding an anticoagulant to blood to prevent clotting; then separating the liquid (plasma) from the cells.
  • Serum is used in various tests, such as those for assessing clotting factors.
  • Plasma is used in various tests, including those looking for various substances and conditions.

Clotting Factors in Plasma

  • Fibrinogen (Factor I) is a crucial clotting factor.
  • Low fibrinogen levels can indicate a higher risk of bleeding.
  • High fibrinogen levels might suggest a higher risk of blood clots.

Fibrinogen Levels

  • Normal fibrinogen levels fall in the range of 200-400 mg/dL.
  • Levels below 200 mg/dL are considered hypofibrinogenemia.
  • Levels above 400 mg/dL are considered hyperfibrinogenemia.

Test Types (Qualitative vs. Quantitative)

  • Qualitative tests provide a positive or negative result, indicating the presence or absence of a substance or condition.
  • Quantitative tests provide a numerical value, offering specific details or viral loads.

Pipetting Techniques

  • Manual pipetting is time-consuming and less reliable for larger numbers of samples.
  • Semi-pipetting is appropriate for medium sample volumes (and faster than manual).
  • Automation is best for high-throughput applications.

Buffy Coat Layer

  • The buffy coat layer is found between red blood cells and plasma.
  • It contains white blood cells and platelets.
  • An increase in buffy coat size might indicate a condition like leukemia or serious inflammation.

Pipette Types

  • Transfer pipettes, graduated pipettes, and volumetric pipettes come in various types (including Ostwald Folin variations).
  • Serological pipettes are adapted for larger liquid orifices, and usually for fast measurements.
  • Micro-pipettes are for minuscule volumes.

Proper Pipetting

  • Correct pipette selection is crucial.
  • Avoid bubbles during measurements for accuracy.
  • Use appropriate pipette tips and ensure proper vertical positioning.
  • Re-use of pipette tips should be avoided.

Pipetting Errors

  • Loose tips, tilting the pipettor, improper plunger movement, and drawing solutions multiple times are common errors.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between serum and plasma, including their roles in blood tests and the significance of clotting factors like fibrinogen. Understand how these components are obtained and their implications on health assessments. Test your knowledge on fibrinogen levels and their clinical relevance.

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