Blood Components, Lab Diagnostics, and Transfusion Management

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering blood cell terminology, laboratory reference values, collection tube types, and blood transfusion management and reactions.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a low number of red blood cells ($RBCs$).

Erythrocytosis

A condition characterized by an elevated red blood cell ($RBC$) count.

Thrombocytes

Platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low platelet count.

Thrombocytosis

A condition characterized by an elevated platelet count.

Leukocytes

White blood cells ($WBCs$) involved in the immune response.

Leukocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low white blood cell ($WBC$) count.

Leukocytosis

A condition characterized by an elevated white blood cell ($WBC$) count.

Pancytopenia

The suppression of the complete blood count, resulting in low $RBCs$, $PLTs$, and $WBCs$.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

A protein in red blood cells with oxygen-carrying capacity; normal ranges are $13.8 - 17.2\,g/dL$ for males and $12.1 - 15.1\,g/dL$ for females.

Hematocrit (Hct)

The percentage of red blood cells in the blood, often calculated as $3 \times Hgb$; normal ranges are $40.7 - 50.3\%$ for males and $36.1 - 44.3\%$ for females.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A group of tests that evaluate the cells circulating in the blood, including $RBCs$, $WBCs$, and platelets ($PLTs$).

CBC w/ Differential

A test that measures the number of each specific type of white blood cell to help diagnose infection or anemia.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

A measure of the average size of a red blood cell.

MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)

The average quantity of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

The concentration of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

RDW (Red cell Distribution Width)

A measurement of the width variation of red blood cells.

Segs/Bands

Segmented Neutrophils and Bands representing the first line of defense against infection.

Lymphocytes

Natural killer cells, including $T$ cells and $B$ cells.

Monocytes

Cells that indicate the presence of chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, or blood disorders.

Eosinophils

Cells that indicate parasitic infection, allergic reactions, or cancer.

Basophils

Cells that indicate fungal or bacterial infection.

Sodium (Na)

An electrolyte with a normal reference range of $135 - 145\,mEq/L$.

Potassium (K)

An electrolyte with a normal reference range of $3.6 - 5.2\,mEq/L$.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

A waste product measured in the blood; normal ranges are $8 - 24\,mg/dL$ for males and $6 - 21\,mg/dL$ for females.

Creatinine (Crt)

A marker of kidney function; normal ranges are $0.8 - 1.3\,mg/dL$ for males and $0.6 - 1.1\,mg/dL$ for females.

Light Blue Top Tube

A collection tube containing sodium citrate used for coagulation studies; requires a specific blood-to-anticoagulant ratio.

PT/INR

Lab tests used for monitoring warfarin therapy, evaluating Vitamin $K$ deficiency, or assessing liver failure.

PTT

A lab test used for monitoring heparin therapy and assessing clotting factor function in conditions like Hemophilia.

Anti XA

A test used to monitor heparin drips and newer oral anticoagulants by detecting specific clotting factors.

Serum Separator Tubes (SST)

Tubes containing a gel barrier that separates serum from blood cells during centrifugation.

BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)

A lab panel that evaluates fluid levels and electrolytes; distinct from $BNP$.

Troponin

The primary biomarker used for the diagnosis of myocardial necrosis (heart muscle damage).

Creatine Kinase (CK/CKMB)

An enzyme used as a cardiac marker to assist in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Purple Top Tube

A tube containing EDTA that stabilizes erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes for 24 hours by blocking the clotting cascade.

Hgb A1C

A test collected in a purple top tube that measures the percentage of glycated (sugar-coated) hemoglobin.

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)

A hormone secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to stretching caused by increased ventricular blood volume; used to evaluate heart failure.

Pink Top Tube

A tube containing EDTA used specifically for blood Type and Screen or Type and Cross match.

Gray Top Tube

A tube used to detect lactic acid levels to determine the presence/severity of sepsis; must be drawn without a tourniquet and kept on ice.

Hemolysis

The destruction of red blood cells during phlebotomy, which renders a sample unusable for most labs.

Rh Factor

An inherited protein on the surface of red blood cells; its presence defines a person as positive and its absence as negative.

Plasma

The yellowish liquid component of blood that has a shelf life of one year when frozen and is used for liver disorders or burn patients.

Cryoprecipitates AHF

A white blood component rich in Fibrinogen, used for Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.

Febrile Reaction

A transfusion reaction characterized by chills, fever ($1^{\circ}C$ or $2^{\circ}F$ increase), headache, flushing, and tachycardia.

Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction

A severe reaction featuring low back pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and hemoglobinuria; requires stopping the transfusion immediately.

TRALI (Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury)

A potentially fatal complication marked by acute respiratory distress and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema within 6 hours of transfusion.

TACO (Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload)

Pulmonary edema caused by volume excess, characterized by hypertension and improvement with diuretics.

Erythropoietin (EPOGEN)

An alternative to transfusion that increases red blood cell production.