test 1: Act 1 (Hematocrit determination)

Hematocrit

of 40 means that 40% of the volume of blood consists of RBCs

A buffy coat layer

consists of WBC

thin, white layer

lies btwn the heavier RBC layer and the lighter, yellow plasma

The diagnosis of anemia indicates

lower than normal hematocrit

Polycythemia refers to

significant increase in RBCs

Why would the hemoglobin levels of an anemic patient be lower than the hemoglobin levels of a normal, healthy individual?

because hemoglobin resides in RBCs, you would anticipate a low hematocrit level to coincide with a low hemoglobin level

Anemia refers to

a lower-than normal hematocrit

To complete the blood test to measure hematocrit, you must seal the blood-containing capillary tubes on one end with a clay material so that

the blood sample can be centrifuged withut having the blood spray out of the tube

Possible causes of polycythemia include

living at high altitudes

You would expect anemia to develop in a person

who has abnormally shaped hemoglobin in their RBCs

Predict how the hematocrits of the patients living in Denver, Colorado ( approx. one mile above sea level), will compare with the hematocrit levels of the patients living in Boston, Massachusetts (at Sea level)

the hematocrit of the Denver residents will be lower than those of the Boston residents

Why would the hemoglobin levels of an anemic patient be lower than the hemoglobin levels of a normal, healthy individual?

becasue hemoglobin resides in RBCs, you would anticipate a low hematocrit level to coincide with a low hemoglobin level