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What is hematocrit (HCT)?
Hematocrit (HCT) is the percentage of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), in a whole blood sample.
How is hematocrit determined?
Hematocrit is determined by separating the formed elements from the plasma and measuring the packed red blood cell volume.
What are the normal hematocrit ranges for adult males?
42–52%.
What are the normal hematocrit ranges for adult females?
37–47%.
What can cause elevated hematocrit levels?
High altitude, elevated testosterone, certain diseases, or blood doping.
What is blood doping?
Blood doping refers to methods used to increase the blood oxygen-carrying capacity.
What is a positive control sample in hematocrit testing?
A sample known to be doped, used for comparison.
What is a negative control sample in hematocrit testing?
A sample known not to be doped, used for comparison.
What personal safety precautions should be taken when working with blood?
Wash lab benches, wear gloves and goggles, wash hands, and dispose of materials properly.
How should used lancets be disposed of?
In an appropriate hazardous waste container, never in regular trash.
What is the importance of balancing the centrifuge?
It is necessary for the centrifuge to run properly.
How do you measure hematocrit?
Align the capillary tube to the hematocrit chart and measure the packed RBC volume.
What is the first phase in the laboratory simulation?
Identify lab equipment.
What should you do to prepare a positive control sample?
Fill a capillary tube with blood from the positive sample, clean it, seal it, and place it in the centrifuge.
What steps are taken for preparing a negative control sample?
Fill a capillary tube with blood from the negative sample, clean it, seal it, and place it in the centrifuge.
What action should be taken after measuring with the hematocrit chart?
Record the measurements in lab data.
What is done with capillary tubes after measurements?
Dispose of them in the sharps container.
What phase follows the measurement phase in the lab simulation?
Lab wrap-up and applying what you learned.
What is a sharps container?
A container used for the safe disposal of sharp items like used lancets and capillary tubes.
Why is proper lab bench sanitation important?
To prevent contamination and ensure safety when working with potentially hazardous materials.
What should be done before starting the laboratory simulation?
Reflect on personal safety precautions.
What must you ensure when using a centrifuge?
That it is balanced for proper operation.
What is the function of clay in preparing the capillary tube?
To seal the tube at one end after filling it with blood.
How long should the centrifuge run during the operation?
For 4 minutes.
What does measuring the hematocrit value involve?
Aligning the capillary tube on the hematocrit chart for an accurate reading.
What must be done after handling blood samples?
Wash hands and dispose of materials properly.
What is the significance of the hematocrit chart in the simulation?
It allows for direct measurement and comparison of blood sample volumes.
What kind of protective gear is recommended when working in the lab?
Disposable gloves and goggles.
What do you do with the capillary tube used for balancing the centrifuge?
Dispose of it in the sharps container.
What does blood doping refer to?
Methods used to enhance blood's oxygen-carrying capacity artificially.
Why is it important to clean the tube with an alcohol wipe?
To prevent contamination before sealing and centrifuging.
What factors can affect normal hematocrit levels?
Sex, altitude, hydration status, and health conditions.
How do you seal a filled capillary tube?
By clicking clay to seal one end of the tube.
What drives the need to measure hematocrit in athletes?
To determine if they are engaging in blood doping to enhance performance.
What is the role of the capillary tube in measuring hematocrit?
It holds the blood sample during centrifugation and measurement.
What is the outcome if hematocrit levels are abnormal?
It may indicate underlying health issues or the use of performance-enhancing methods.
In what scenarios might a hematocrit reading be misleading?
In cases of dehydration or overhydration.
What procedure follows the centrifugation of blood samples?
Aligning and measuring each tube with the hematocrit chart.
What procedure is followed to clean up after a lab session?
Dispose of used materials properly and wash hands and surfaces.
What information do you record after measuring the hematocrit?
The values for each athlete's blood sample.
What is the purpose of using known values in the hematocrit simulation?
To accurately assess and compare the athletes' hematocrit readings.
What tool is used to measure packed red blood cell volume?
A hematocrit chart.
Why is athlete testing for hematocrit important?
To maintain fairness and integrity in competitive sports.
How does altitude affect hematocrit levels?
It can cause elevated levels due to lower oxygen availability.
What cleaning agent is suggested for laboratory benches?
An appropriate disinfectant.
What should you check before running the centrifuge?
That all tubes are sealed and balanced properly.
What happens to the components of blood during centrifugation?
They separate based on density, with RBCs settling at the bottom.
What is a key observation after centrifuging a blood sample?
The formation of layers in the tube: plasma on top, buffy coat in the middle, and packed RBCs at the bottom.
