MLHP Review Questions for Quiz 2

Hematocrit

The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, also known as packed cell volume (PCV).

Anemia

A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, resulting in reduced oxygen transport.

Polycythemia

A condition in which there is an increased concentration of red blood cells in the blood.

Microhematocrit test blood collection

Blood is collected via a capillary tube filled from a fingerstick or venipuncture, the manual method involves centrifuging the tubes to separate components.

Sources of error in microhematocrit test

Errors can arise from improper collection techniques, using the wrong type of tube, or not centrifuging for the correct duration.

Reticulocytes

Immature red blood cells produced in the bone marrow, indicative of red blood cell production.

Reticulocytosis

An increase in the number of reticulocytes in the blood, often indicating increased red blood cell production.

Reticulocytopenia

A decreased number of reticulocytes in the blood, indicating impaired red blood cell production.

Supravital stain

A dye used to stain living cells, mainly to visualize reticulocytes.

Reticulocyte count

A test that measures the number of reticulocytes in the blood to evaluate bone marrow function.

Wright's stained smear reticulocyte color

Reticulocytes appear as a bluish color due to the presence of RNA in the cell.

Reticulocyte count procedure

Count reticulocytes on a stained smear and calculate using the formula: (number of reticulocytes / total number of RBCs) x 100.

Stability of EDTA specimens for reticulocyte counts

EDTA specimens are stable for up to 24 hours.

Hemacytometer

A specialized counting chamber used to count blood cells; WBCs and RBCs are counted in specific grids.

Dilution factors for RBC, WBC, and platelets

Different dilution factors are used for various blood components; typically 1:200 for RBC, 1:20 for WBC.

Loading the counting chamber

The counting chamber is loaded by placing a coverslip on top and ensuring the chamber is filled evenly.

Counting pattern shape

A specific grid or checkerboard pattern is used for systematic cell counting.

ESR

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, a test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube.

Westergren method

A common method for measuring ESR, involving a specific blood sample dilution and tube setup.

Body fluids

Any liquid that is found within the body, such as blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid.

Seminal analysis

A laboratory evaluation of semen for fertility assessment, typically collected via masturbation and stored at room temperature.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, with functions including cushioning, nutrient transport, and waste removal.

CSF cell counts tube number

CSF cell counts are typically performed on tube 1 of the CSF collection.

Bone marrow collection

A medical procedure in which a sample of bone marrow is taken for analysis, often performed using aspiration.

Serous fluid

Fluid found in body cavities, such as pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal spaces.

Arthrocentesis

A procedure to collect synovial fluid from a joint space.

Synovial fluid

Fluid found in joints; its gross appearance is usually clear to straw-colored, and it should be transported in a sterile container.

Amniotic fluid

The fluid surrounding a fetus within the amniotic sac; it must be handled and transported carefully to maintain sterility.