Hematology Flashcards
WBC's, RBC's, hematocrits, hemoglobin, BUN, BMP
Blood’s composed of
Leukocytes, Thrombocytes, Erythrocytes, plasma
What’s the main function of WBC’s
They act as an immune response
What’s the main function of RBC’s
Carries oxygen and iron in the bloodstream
What’s the main function of thrombocytes
It clots blood when there is lacerations
What’s the main function of plasma
It’s a liquid carrying around all other blood components
Name the vein mainly used for drawing blood
Median Cubital vein
Why are veins used for drawing blood rather than arteries?
Because veins carry blood to the extremities and has no pulse
Complete Blood Count
Test done to examine the number of cells circulating in the blood, can help evaluated health level and if any diseases are present
What’s being measured in a CBC for WBC’s
The 5 kinds of nucleated cells that fight infection
Possible meaning for a low WBC count
Commonly a viral infection preventing bone marrow from making WBC
Possible meaning for a high WBC count
The body is trying to fight off infection, or could be a reaction from certain drugs taken
What’s being measured in a CBC for RBC’s
The cells transporting oxygen
A possible meaning for low RBC count
Anemia, chemotherapies, certain drugs
A possible meaning for high RBC count
Heart or respiratory conditions resulting in limited oxygen supply, therefore increasing the RBC count for more O2
What’s a being measured in a CBC for hemoglobin
Oxygen carrying protein in RBC’s
A possible meaning for low hemoglobin
Iron deficiency, anemia
A possible meaning for high hemoglobin
Body needs a larger oxygen supply, smoking could trigger this
What’s being measured in a CBC for hematocrits
The proportion between RBC’s to plasma
A possible meaning for high hematocrits
Dehydration, due to large production of RBC’s being created
What’s being measured in a CBC for platelets
Bits of cells helping in clotting
A possible meaning for low platelet count
Thrombocytopenia - Low platelet count
A possible meaning for high platelet count
Thrombocytosis - Result from previous condition/infection
Cholesterol
Waxy substance produced by liver, key component in cell membrane structure, makes hormone and vitamins
LDL
“bad” Lipoprotein that transports cholesterol to cells
HDL
“good” Lipoprotein that removes extra cholesterol in bloodstream to liver
What kinds of fats increase HDL?
Unsaturated fats - OILS
What kinds of fats increase LDL?
Saturated fats - Lard, butter, cheeses
Atherosclerosis
Buildup of cholesterol plaque on artery walls
What’s the normal LDL range?
100 mg/dL
Basic Metabolic Panel
Blood test that measures glucose levels, kidney functions, fluid balance and electrolytes
Abnormal BMP indicates
Diabetes, kidney failure, hormone issues
Glucose
Sugar used for energy. High glucose’s found in diabetes
Electrolytes
Minerals found in blood, urine. Keeps water balance, moves nutrients to cells, makes sure nervous system works
Blood Urea Nitrogen
Measures amount of urea’s in a sample of blood, measures how well the kidney’s are working
What’s Urea?
Natural waste product produced to break down proteins and is filtered out by the kidneys
Abnormal BUN levels show
Signs of kidney injury, low blood flow from dehydration and some meds cause high BUN levels
