Blood Components and Blood Draw Procedure

Red blood cells (RBC)

Transport oxygen to all parts of the body and are called erythrocytes.

White blood cells (WBC)

Fight infection and injury and maintain our health and are called leukocytes

Platelets

Cell fragments that assist with clotting and are called thrombocytes

Plasma

The liquid in which erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes float

Hemoglobin (HB/Hgb)

The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells

Hematocrit (HCT)

The proportion of red blood cells in the blood

Anemia

Condition where the body isn't getting enough oxygen, leading to tiredness and weakness

Cholesterol

A waxy substance naturally produced in the liver and absorbed from food

LDL

Type of lipoprotein responsible for transporting cholesterol to the cells

HDL

A type of lipoprotein responsible for removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver

LDL Range

Cholesterol level less than 100 mg/dL

HDL Range

Cholesterol level less than 60 mg/dL

BPM

Basic Metabolic Panel including Glucose, Electrolytes(Sodium and Calcium), Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine

Electrolytes

Minerals found in blood, urine, and other tissues

Sickle Cell Anemia

Condition where red blood cells are skinny and irregularly shaped

Median Cuptial Vein

Inside the Elbow;Used for blood sampling