Applied Microbiology and Introduction to Haematology

Question 1

Name 3 different areas of study within the field of

Haematology.

Answer 1

• Blood transfusion/ cross matching
• Haemoglobin
• Formed elements of blood

Question 2

Anaemia is a disease studied in a routine

Haematology laboratory. What is Anaemia?

Answer 2

• A decrease in red blood cells or the presence of abnormal red blood cells

Question 3

Explain what is meant by the term Leukaemia.

Answer 3

• The increase in white blood cells

Question 4

What is Haemopoiesis? What is Erythropoiesis?

Answer 4

Haemopoiesis: The production of the formed elements of blood (WBC, RBC and platelets)
Erythtropoiesis: The production of RBC

Question 5

What is the correct term for a decrease in neutrophils?

Answer 5

Neutropenia

Question 6

Where does Haemopoiesis occur? Explain why you

might have more than one answer!

Answer 6

In foetuses, it occurs in the liver, spleen, yolk sac and bone marrow, but in adults it only occurs in bone marrow

Question 7

Describe the shape of a RBC. Why do RBCs have this

shape?

Answer 7

• Biconcave disc
• RBC has this shape for greater surface area to carry haemoglobin, rapid diffusion of gases, flexibility and to change in shape ad size

Question 8

Discuss the significance of the RBC membrane.

Answer 8

• Contains lipids, proteins and carbohydrates
• Aids in the flexibility and shape changing properties of RBC
• Contains the antigens on the surface of RBC

Question 9

List 3 Granulocytes that can be found in peripheral

blood.

Answer 9

• Neutrophils
• Basophils
• Eosinophils

Question 10

List each of the 5 WBC types found in peripheral blood
and explain the features that help to identify each of
them.

Answer 10

Neutrophils:
-
 Monocytes:
-
 Basophils:
-
 Eosinophils:
- 
 Lymphocytes:
-

Question 11

What is the term used to describe variation in RBC size?

Answer 11

Anisocytosis

Question 12

List 2 specific terms for abnormal RBC shapes and describe the RBC shape for each of these specific terms.

Answer 12

2 types of poikilocytosis:

• Schistocytes : Irregular fragments of RBC with varying shapes
• Elliptocytes: long and thin elliptical shaped RBCs

Question 13

What is Polychromasia and what may it indicate?

Answer 13

• Polychromasia is the difference in colour of an RBC (many different colours) and can indicate an increased number of immature RBCs

Question 14

What physiological processes do platelets have a role in?

Answer 14

• They help to prevent blood loss by forming clots

Question 15

What does the term “Thrombocytopaenia” mean?

Answer 15

• A decreased number of platelets in the blood

Question 16

What is the term for an increased number of Lymphocytes in the peripheral blood?

Answer 16

Lymphocytosis

Question 17

Either of 2 principles can be used in Automated Cell Counting machines. What are these 2 principles?

Answer 17

• Electrical impedance

- Light scatter

Question 18

What blood cells can be manually counted using a

Haemocytometer? (Can the chamber also be used to count anything else besides blood cells?)

Answer 18

• White blood cells, can also count RBCs

Question 19

Different areas of a counting chamber are used for counting different types of blood cells. What areas are used for a manual WCC?

Answer 19

The WCC is carried out in the 4 larges squares on the corners of the counting chamber

Question 20

Explain why WBC types should always be reported as

Absolute Number and not Relative numbers following a Diff.

Answer 20

In order to determine the amount of each WBC in the blood, which can be compared to a reference range to determine whether the counts are within the normal range or not