Week 2.1

Interpreting Blood Basics

What are blood test results (lab reports/blood panels)?

Diagnostic numerical data that measure blood components and compare them to a standard reference range.

What is a reference range?

The normal limits used to determine whether a lab result is high, low, or normal.

What can high or low blood test results indicate?

Infection, anemia, inflammation, dehydration, organ dysfunction, and other health conditions.

What are the three possible categories of blood test results?

Positive, negative, or inconclusive.

What mnemonic helps remember the blood collection process?

Happy Giraffes Playing Checkers Soon.

What does Happy stand for?

Handwashing.

What does Giraffes stand for?

Gloves.

What does Playing stand for?

Prep.

What does Checkers stand for?

Collection.

What does Soon stand for?

Sending Off.

Why is handwashing important before collecting samples?

It prevents infection and ensures safe patient care.

How long should hands be washed?

At least 20 seconds.

What should be used for handwashing?

Warm water and soap.

How far should handwashing extend?

Up to the wrists.

Why are gloves worn during patient care?

To prevent the spread of microorganisms and protect both patient and provider.

What type of gloves are commonly used?

Nitrile gloves.

When should gloves be changed?

Between patients and between procedures.

How should the skin be prepared before collecting a blood sample?

Wipe with a damp alcohol pad, then clean with a washcloth.

Why is skin preparation important?

It reduces the risk of outside pathogens entering the body.

What should you explain to the patient before collecting blood?

The needle gauge, what is being collected, why it is being collected, and how the procedure will be done.

What needle gauge is used in the example provided?

21G needle.

Why is patient communication important during blood collection?

It helps the patient understand the procedure and reduces anxiety.

What must be done before sending a blood sample to the lab?

Ensure it is tightly closed, labeled correctly, and ready for transport.

Where are blood samples often taken after collection?

The laboratory/pathology department.

What does the RBC count measure?

The number of red blood cells in the blood.

What can a low RBC count indicate?

Anemia.

What can a high RBC count indicate?

Dehydration or heart disease.

What is the normal RBC range for men?

4.7–6.1 million cells per microliter.

What is the normal RBC range for women?

4.2–5.4 million cells per microliter.

What does the WBC count measure?

Infection-fighting white blood cells.

What can a low WBC count indicate?

Immune system problems.

What can a high WBC count indicate?

Infection or inflammation.

What is the normal WBC range?

4,000–11,000 cells per microliter of blood.

What is the primary function of platelets?

Blood clotting.

What is thrombocytopenia?

A low platelet count that can cause bleeding.

What is thrombocytosis?

A high platelet count that increases the risk of harmful clotting.

What is the normal platelet range?

150,000–450,000 platelets per microliter.

What does LDL stand for?

Low-Density Lipoprotein (bad cholesterol).

Why is high LDL concerning?

It increases the risk of heart disease.

What does HDL stand for?

High-Density Lipoprotein (good cholesterol).

Why is high HDL beneficial?

It helps lower the risk of heart disease.

What do TGs stand for?

Triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood.

RBC stands for what?

Red Blood Cells.

WBC stands for what?

White Blood Cells.

Low RBC count suggests what?

Anemia.

High WBC count suggests what?

Infection or inflammation.

Platelets are responsible for what?

Clotting.

LDL is known as what?

Bad cholesterol.

HDL is known as what?

Good cholesterol.

What is the blood collection mnemonic?

Happy Giraffes Playing Checkers Soon = Handwashing, Gloves, Prep, Collection, Sending Off.