Blood Evaluation Flashcards
Sample labeling
-Label all samples immediately after collection.
-Label with date, time, patient and your initials.
-Double check sample ID before running tests.
Whole Blood
What is it made of?
-Plasma: Liquid component
+Water, proteins, sugars, lipids, electrolytes.
-Cells: Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, & Thrombocytes
Hematology definition
The study of Blood
Red cells…
-Carry oxygen
-No nucleus in mammals
-Disc-shaped
Platelets…
Initiate blood clotting
White cells…
-Immune system
-No nucleus
-Clear to light blue
-Cell fragments
White cells: Granulocytes & Monocytes…
Direct attack
White cells: Lymphocytes…
Create antibodies
Granulocytes
Segmented nucleus & granules
-Neutrophil: Clear-grey granules
-Eosinophil: Pink/red granules
-Basophil: Blue to Purple granules
Agranulocytes
No granules
-Lymphocytes: Round nucleus
7-9um
-Monocyte: Variable nucleus
Large 12-14 um
Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
Percentage of spun blood that is red cells
Buffy Coat
Layer of white cells in spun blood
Total Protein
Measurement of solids dissolved in plasma. This includes: hormones & enzymes, globulins (antibodies), albumin
Determined by refractometer.
Determining Packed Cell Volume
- Blood is placed in hematocrit tube & sealed with clay.
- Sample is spun in hematocrit centrifuge for 3-5 minutes.
- Spun sample is aligned on reader card and the top of the red cell layer is read
as PCV.
What does PCV indicate?
In dogs, normal PCV is 37-55%
-Below 37% indicates anemia
-Above 55% indicates dehydration or abnormal production
Clinic Chemistry gives results such as…
-Cellular damage (ALT, CK, K+)
-Exposure to specific infectious diseases (FeLV, Lyme)
-Hydration status (BUN, Na+, Cr)
-Organ function (Cr, Bile acids, pO2)
-Hormone production
Quality Assurance: Accuracy & Precision
A measurement is determined valid if it is both accurate & precise
Precision
is reproducibility of results
Accuracy
is closeness to actual value
Red or Tiger tube
-Serum evaluation
-Non additive
-Serology, blood bank, chemistry
Green tube
-Plasma evaluation
-PST
-Genetics, renin, aldosterone, chemistry
Lavender tube
-Hematology
-Contains EDTA, an anti-clotting agent
-Commonly used for BD screening and immunohematology testing
Total Protein
Amount of protein contained in serum sample, includes…
-Albumin
-Globulins (antibodies)
-Hormones
-Enzymes
TP evaluations indicate…
may indicate dehydration or abnormal production of antibodies
TP depletions indicate…
may indicate liver failure or excessive loss from kidneys or intestines
What does plasma contain?
-Water
-Lipids
-Proteins
-Sugars
-Electrolytes
The function of platelets?
Initiate blood clotting
