Hematocrit and Hemoglobin Lab

Complete blood count (CBC) includes

hemocrit, hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, and WBC type and count.

Whole blood

specimen with all blood components & chemical compounds

Plasma

specimen with clotting factors

Serum

specimen with no clotting proteins

RBC also known as

erythrocytes

WBC also known as

leukocytes

conditions in which WBCs are increased

infection or trauma

conditions in which WBCs are decreased

in protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), and in folate or vitamin B12 deficiency

What is hematocrit?

volume of red blood cells packed by centrifugation

When is hemotocrit reduced?

iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency

When is hemotocrit increased?

Dehydration

Hemoglobin

a protein in RBC responsible for oxygen delivery to tissues

When are hemoglobin concentrations decreased?

iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency

MCV

mean corpuscular volume, represents average RBC size

MCH

mean corpuscular hemoglobin, represents average weight of hemoglobin in each RBC

MCHC

mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, represents average concentration of hemoglobin in RBC

Normochromic

red color, normal range Hgb

Hypochromic

pale red, below normal range Hgb

Hyperchromic

deep red, above normal range Hgb

What is anemia?

decreased ability of blood to deliver oxygen to tissues

What are the three vitamins/minerals that can cause anemia? 

malnutrition/deficiency; iron, folate, vitamin B12

What are the causes of iron deficiency anemia?

blood loss (hemorrhage/menstruation), increased physiological need (pregnancy, growth)

Megaloblastic anemia results from

folic acid and Vitamin B12 deficiency

Causes of folic acid deficiency

decreased dietary intake, intestinal malabsorption, increased utilization, alcoholism

Causes of B12 deficiency

decreased dietary intake, GI disturbances resulting in malabsorption