PHYSIO: Lab Exam #3 (14-#)

Hematocrit

% of RBC in total blood volume

If your bone marrow is producing a high number of RBCs, what happens to the hematocrit?

RBC UP = hematocrit UP

Is there a difference in hematocrit between males and females?

♂ >♀ b/c testosterone promotes RBC production

Is there a difference in hematocrit between people that live in Boston (at sea level) versus Denver (one mile above sea level)? If so, explain why

Denver (higher up) > Boston (sea level) b/c Polycythemia = more RBC production needed b/c less O2 available higher up

How does anemia (regardless of cause) affect hematocrit?

anemia → low hemoglobin → low RBC → low hematocrit

iron-deficiency anemia vs aplastic anemia

iron-deficiency anemia: less iron made → less hemoglobin made → less RBC

aplastic anemia: bone marrow DOWN → RBC/WBC production DOWN

What effect does aplastic anemia have on %WBC?

WBC down b/c bone marrow makes all blood cells

Does iron deficiency anemia have the same effect (lowering WBC)? Why or why not?

No, WBC doesn’t need iron so it’s not affected

Why did we add sodium citrate to your test tubes?

prevents clotting and allows sedimentation

How did Myocardial infarction, Iron deficiency and having a menstrual cycle lead to elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

Myocardial infarction: inflammation → RBC weighed down and ESR faster

Iron deficiency: less iron → less RBC → less sticky → ESR faster

Menstrual: → “anemic” → RBC down → less sticky

Which health condition caused reduced ESR?

Sickle cell → irregular shape and can’t settle down normally

Normal ESR condition

slow settling because RBCs are sticky, usually 5