Basic Hematology (Full power point) Flashcards
What is the primary function of Vitamin B-12?
Essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function
What does Hemoglobin Electrophoresis analyze?
Looks at the globin chains
What does a Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) measure?
Measures 14 proteins, electrolytes, enzymes, and minerals in the blood
What does Ferritin measure?
Measure of iron stores
What is Transferrin?
Iron transport protein that takes Fe back to marrow
What is the significance of a ‘shift to the left’ in laboratory tests?
Indicates high number of immature neutrophils due to severe acute infection or inflammation
Define leukocytes.
White blood cells that combat inflammation and infection
What is the normal count range for leukocytes?
5,000 to 10,000
What are the two main types of leukocytes?
- Granulocytes
- Agranulocytes
What is the role of the spleen?
Removes aged, lysed, and dead RBCs and is involved in immunity
What does a high reticulocyte count indicate?
Bone marrow is actively producing RBCs
List the nutritional requirements for adequate synthesis of healthy RBCs.
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin B-12
- Folic acid
What is erythropoiesis?
The process of synthesizing mature red blood cells in the bone marrow
What happens to aged RBCs?
They are broken down in the spleen and components are recycled
What is the structure of hemoglobin?
Composed of 4 polypeptide chains: Alpha 1, Alpha 2, Beta 1, Beta 2
How many oxygen atoms can one hemoglobin molecule carry?
4 oxygen atoms
What do thrombocytes originate from?
Myeloid stem cells
What is the life span of platelets?
7-10 days
What is the primary role of neutrophils?
First responders to inflammation/injury, responsible for phagocytosis
What percentage of total WBCs do neutrophils account for?
60-70%
What is the primary role of eosinophils?
Ingest antigen-antibody complexes and mediate allergic reactions
What does a Complete Blood Count (CBC) typically include?
- White Blood Cells (WBC)
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- Platelets
What are petechiae?
Pinpoint red-purple areas of bleeding resembling a rash
What is the Basic Metabolic Profile?
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
- Chloride (Cl)
- CO2
- BUN/cr
- Glucose
- eGFR
What is the role of monocytes?
Play a role in acute and chronic inflammation and immunity
What do basophils release?
- Heparin
- Histamine
- Other inflammatory mediators
What happens when there is a lack of iron in the body?
Results in low hemoglobin and reduced oxygen carriage in the blood
What are the types of hemoglobin?
- Hb A – adult
- Hb F – fetal
- Hb S – sickle cell
- Hb A1C - glycosylated
What is the function of albumin?
Vascular transport and metabolic functions
What is the blood volume in the body?
6 quarts (5.5 L)
What are the functions of blood?
5 of them
- Delivery of substances needed for cellular metabolism
- Removal of wastes of cellular metabolism
- Defense against invading microorganisms
- Regulation of body temperature
- Maintenance of acid-base balance
