Lab 3: Blood Analysis and Typing Techniques

Plasma

Liquid component, 55% of blood volume.

Albumin

Maintains osmotic pressure in capillaries.

Globulin

Transport proteins and antibodies in plasma.

Fibrinogen

Protein essential for blood clot formation.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, carry oxygen via hemoglobin.

Platelets

Cell fragments crucial for blood clotting.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, true cells, fight infections, <1% of blood.

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume occupied by red cells.

Leukopoiesis

Production of white blood cells in bone marrow.

Diapedesis

Movement of WBCs out of blood vessels.

Granulocytes

WBCs with granules, multi-lobed nuclei.

Neutrophils

Most abundant WBC, 50-70% of leukocytes, first responders, White blood cells involved in fighting infections

Eosinophils

1-4% of WBCs, involved in allergic responses and parasites attacks; combat parasites + parasitic worms, moderate the inflammatory process

Basophils

<1% of WBCs, release histamine and heparin; increases inflammation, releases chemotaxis factors

Lymphocytes

20-30% of WBCs, involved in immune responses.

T-cells and B-cells, smallest WBC

T-cells (Killer t-cells)

Attack viruses, part of adaptive immunity, attacks antigens during the immune response, mainly viruses and tumor cells

B-cells

Produce antibodies that are released into the blood, target bacteria.

Monocytes

3-8% of total WBC count, Largest WBC, involved in chronic infection cleanup; differentiate into macrophages in the lymph tissues, activate lymphocytes during the immune response

ABO System

Blood typing system based on antigens present.

Type A Blood

Has A antigen, B antibody in plasma.

Type B Blood

Has B antigen on RBC, A antibody in plasma.

Type O

No antigens on RBC, both antibodies present, Universal donor

Agglutination

Clumping of blood cells due to antibodies. shows incompatible blood types.

Rh+

Rh antigen present on RBC, 85% prevalence.

Rh-

Rh antigen absent on RBC, 15% prevalence.

Blood Typing Test

Agglutination indicates positive blood type result.

WBC Types

Five distinct types of white blood cells.

Differential WBC Count

Counting each WBC type in a sample; Percentage breakdown of different white blood cells.

Total RBC Count

Average male count: 5-6 million cells/µL.

Average female count: 4-5 million cells/µL.

Total WBC Count

Average count: 5000-10000 cells/µL.

Leukocytosis

WBC count above 11,000/µL, possible immune response.

Leukopenia

WBC count below 4,800/µL, indicates bone marrow damage.

Hematocrit Calculation

(Length of RBC/Total length) x 100.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges

Male: 44-52%, Female: 38-48%.

Anemia

Reduced O2 delivery due to low RBC or hemoglobin.

Polycythemia

Abnormally high RBC density, risks heart strain.

Biohazard

Biological substance posing risk to health.

ABO blood typing

Determines blood type using specific antibodies.

Lancet

Device used to puncture skin for blood.

Blood smear

Thin layer of blood for microscopic examination.

Wright's stain

Stain used to visualize blood cells under microscope.

Safety precautions

Measures to prevent accidents and exposure to blood.

Capillary tubes

Small tubes used for collecting blood samples.

Alcohol swab

Used to disinfect skin before blood draw.

Blood typing card

Card with antibodies for blood type testing.

Biohazard bags

Containers for safe disposal of hazardous materials.

Sharp's container

Container for disposing sharp objects like lancets.

Instructor supervision

Requirement to have instructor present before procedures.

Blood flow technique

Method to enhance blood flow from finger.

Smear technique

Process of spreading blood on a slide.

Color-coded antibodies

Antibodies marked by colors for identification.

Finger selection

Choosing a finger for blood collection.

Air drying

Process of drying the blood smear before staining.

Mixing sticks

Colored toothpicks used for mixing blood and antibodies.

Light-headedness response

Sit down and notify lab partners if feeling dizzy.

Wright's Stain

Stain used for fixing blood cells.

Hematocrit Tube

Tube used to measure blood cell volume.

Centrifuge

Device to separate components of blood.

Physioex Program

Software for simulating blood analysis activities.

Rh Factor

Protein determining blood type positivity or negativity.

Bibulous Paper

Absorbent paper used to dry slides.

40X Objective Lens

Microscope lens for viewing blood smears.

Blood Type AB

Universal recipient, contains both A and B antigens.

Rh Incompatibility

Concern during pregnancy if mother is Rh-.

Acute Bacterial Infections

Condition often indicated by increased neutrophil count.