Ch1. Heme overview

What are the three categories of blood cells

red blood cells: erythrocytes;

white blood cells: leukocytes

platelets: thrombocytes

What is the difference between serum and plasma

Plasma: Liquid portion, has fibrinogen and clotting factors

Serum: plasma without fibrinogen, has NO clotting factors (platelets). It is the remaining plasma after coagulation

What is the primary stain used in blood cell identification?

Wrights stain

Red blood cells are filled with a reddish protein called?

hemoglobin

What does hemoglobin do?

Transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, fats, protein, and waste

How is hemoglobin concentration measured? What units is it reported in?

In a photometer at 540 nm after the addition of Drabkin’s reagent, which converts hemoglobin to cyan-methe-moglobin

Reprted in g/dL

What is the normal hemoglobin range in men & women?

Men: 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL

Women: 12.0 - 15.5 g/dL

What is the definition of polycythemia?

Increased RBC count

Define Hematocrit. It should always be reported as a ___?

Ratio of the volume of RBC to whole blood

Percentage

What is the rule of three for hematocrit?

Hemoglobin x 3 = hematocrit

Indices: What is MCV?

Mean cell volume: reflects the RBC diameter on Wright-stained smear

Indices: What is MCH?

Mean cell hemoglobin: measures hemoglobin weight in a single red blood cell

Indices: What is MCHC?

Mean cell hemoglobin concentration: reflects RBC staining intensity

Indices: What is RDW?

Red cell distribution width: reflects volume variation between cells. Also known as ansiocytosis

Define Reticulocytes & Polychromatophilic erythrocytes

Reticulocytes: Young RBCs that contain RNA.

Polychromatophilic erythrocytes: larger, newly formed cells from the bone marrow. They indicate bone marrow regeneration. They appear blue-gray

What stain is used for Reticulocytes?

Methylene blue

Define Leukopenia & Leukocytosis

Leukopenia: Decreased WBC count

Leukocytosis: Increased WBC count

Define Thrombocytosis & Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytosis: Increased platelets

Thrombocytopenia: Decreased platelets

Endothelial cells functions?

Maintain normal blood flow

Provide attachment areas for platelets

Enable WBC to move from blood to surrounding tissue

What principle is the golden standard in RBC counts?

The coulter principle

Define Normochromic & Normocytic

Normochromic = normal color

Normocytic= Normal shape

Define Hypochromic?

Decreased color