3. Lab Departments

What are the main lab departments?

Hematology, Chemistry, Transfusion Medicine, Microbiology, Histology.

What is studied in Hematology?

Blood cells and their functions.

What are common tests performed in Hematology?

CBC/Differential and coagulation studies (PT(INR)/PTT).

What analytes are commonly tested in Chemistry?

Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), hormone assays, and liver function tests.

What does Transfusion Medicine include?

Blood typing, antibody screens, and crossmatching.

What is the focus of Microbiology in lab testing?

Culture and identification of microorganisms.

What does Histology involve?

Microscopic study of tissues.

What happens to body fluids in various disorders?

Volume can significantly increase.

What is the significance of collecting body fluids in a sterile container?

To ensure accurate analysis and prevent contamination.

How should body fluids be transported to the lab?

Hand-delivered and kept at room temperature.

What should be done if there is a delay in testing body fluids?

The sample should be refrigerated.

What are the normal appearances of CSF?

Clear and colorless, normally sterile.

How is CSF collected?

By lumbar puncture.

What are the normal WBC counts in CSF for adults?

0-8 x 10^9/L.

What is a traumatic tap?

A CSF sample that appears bloody due to puncture procedure.

What test is used to differentiate traumatic tap from hemorrhage?

Comparison of blood in first and last tubes.

What does an increase in WBCs in CSF indicate?

Possible infection or inflammation.

What is assessed during CSF testing?

Gross appearance, RBC and WBC counts, and chemistry testing.

What does increased protein in CSF indicate?

Possible damage to the BBB or infection.

What is the CSF/blood glucose ratio in healthy individuals?

CSF glucose should be approximately 60-70% of blood glucose.

What determines if fluid is classified as a transudate?

Typically a clear fluid with low protein content and no inflammatory process.

What indicates fluid as an exudate?

Cloudy appearance with high protein due to inflammation.

What is the common cause of pleural effusion?

Congestive heart failure, infection, or malignancy.

What are normal values for serous fluid appearance?

Pale yellow and clear.

What does serous fluid testing help diagnose?

Type of effusion and underlying causes.

What is hematocrit?

Ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total blood volume.

What distinguishes synovial fluid?

Contains hyaluronic acid, giving it high viscosity.

What does increased WBC counts in synovial fluid suggest?

Possible infection or inflammation in the joint.

When is fetal lung maturity testing important?

When premature delivery is anticipated.

What does a high α-fetoprotein (AFP) level in amniotic fluid indicate?

Potential neural tube defects.

How is blood type incompatibility detected in amniotic fluid?

By measuring bilirubin levels spectrophotometrically.

What major conditions can affect the composition of body fluids?

Infection, malignancy, and trauma.

How are fluids classified in synovial testing?

Non-inflammatory, inflammatory, infectious, crystal-induced, and hemorrhagic.

What is the role of amniotic fluid during pregnancy?

To cushion and protect the developing fetus.

What are the main components in normal amniotic fluid?

Water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids/phospholipids, urea, and electrolytes.

What causes an increased turbidity in fluids?

Increased cells, proteins, or crystal precipitates.

What specimen techniques are required for accurate cell counts?

Manual counts or automated systems, depending on sample conditions.

What is the significance of viscosity in synovial fluid?

Determined by the presence of hyaluronic acid; high viscosity is normal.

What artifacts may appear in synovial fluid analysis?

Anticoagulant crystals, starch granules, and collagen fibers.

What is the purpose of crystal analysis in synovial fluid?

To identify crystals indicative of conditions like gout or pseudogout.

What is the significance of LDH levels in body fluids?

Helps differentiate between transudate and exudate.

What are treatments indicated for excess pericardial fluid?

Immediate aspiration to relieve cardiac tamponade.

What tests are commonly performed on CSF?

Cell counts, protein, glucose, and microbiology tests.