Session 3- Haemopoiesis, The Spleen And Bone Marrow+ Blood Counts And Films Flashcards
What is meant by ‘Normal’ and why results might be abnormal?
Normal suggest the standard range that a certain parameter should fall under. Values outside the range shows that there is an abnormality and are abnormal. However, the reference range can also differ due to either: -Age -Ethnicity -Sex -co-morbidities
What can cause abnormal haematology results?
Either as a result of a reaction to an underlying haematological disorder or problems associated with the handling of it. Specimen collection: -specimen Mix up -Wrong bottle -Poor technique Delivery of specimen to laboratory: -Delayed/not delivered -Wrong delivery method Specimen analysis and results reporting: -Mix up -Incorrect clinical details -Wrong test performed/requested -Technical error Responsive action: -Results not reviewed -Right results applied to wrong patient
What is measured from a full blood count?
RBC WBC Haemoglobin concentration Haematocrit Mean cell/Corpuscular volume Mean cell haemoglobin Platelet count Reticulocytes Blood film
What is haematocrit?
Fraction of whole blood volume that consists of RBC
What is Mean cell volume?
Mean size of RBC measured using the amount of light scattered as they pass in a single file past a laser
What is Mean cell haemoglobin?
Average measure of the amount of Hb in each RBC
What can change the effects of Haemoglobin affinity?
Why would a blood film be needed?
- Used for inspection of blood cell morphology
- Used to assess causes of low or high counts post abormal results from a full blood count
- can look for blood parasites (malaria/filariasis)
What would cause a low mean corpuscular volume?
Define the disorders associated with low/high cell counts
What would cause a high mean corpuscular volume?
Terminology used to describe erythrocytes
Effects of iron deficiency
