Haematological Parameters

Question 1

How do we assess haematological parameters?

Answer 1

Obtain a blood sample- can be a venous sample or a finger prick or heel prick

Question 2

What does a full blood count show us?

Answer 2

HCT- haematocrit (L/L)
Hb- Hemoglobin concentration (g/dL)
MCV- mean cell volume ( fL (x10^-15)) *
MCH- mean cell Haemoglobin (pg (x10^-12))*
MCHC- mean cell hemoglobin concentration *
WBC- white blood cells (x10^9/L)
RBC- red blood cells (x10^9/L)
Platelet count (x10^9/L)
* derived from calculations

Question 3

How do we measure haemoglobin?

Answer 3

automatic instrument or spectrometer

Question 4

How do we measure haematocrit?

Answer 4

centrifuging a blood sample

Question 5

How do we calculate mean cell volume (L) ?

Answer 5

(Hct (L/L) x 1000)/ RBC (x10^12/L)

Question 6

How do we calculate mean cell haemoglobin (g)?

Answer 6

Hb (g/L) / RBC (x10^12/L)

Question 7

What is the difference between MCH and MCHC?

Answer 7

MCH is the absolute amount of Hb in an individual RBC

MCHC is the concentrate of Hb in a red cell- it’s related to the shape of the cell