Intro Flashcards
What is haematology?
The study of blood and its components, including the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.
What are specialist interests within haematology?
- Haemato-oncology
- Bone marrow transplantation
- Coagulation and platelet disorders
- Red cell disorders
- Transfusion medicine
- Obstetric haematology
- Paediatric haematology
What does a full blood count measure?
It measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.
What is haematopoiesis?
The process of blood cell formation and development.
Where is blood made?
In the bone marrow.
Define anaemia.
A condition characterized by low haemoglobin concentration.
What are the classifications of anaemia based on mean cell volume (MCV)?
- Microcytic
- Normocytic
- Macrocytic
What is leukopenia?
A low total white blood cell count.
What is thrombocytopenia?
A reduced platelet count.
What is the difference between acute leukaemia and chronic leukaemia?
- Acute leukaemia: Cancer of ‘blast’ cells causing marrow failure.
- Chronic leukaemia: Cancers of marrow where lymphocytes or granulocytes spill into blood.
What is lymphoma?
A cancer of lymphocytes in lymph nodes and extra-nodal areas.
What distinguishes Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?
- Low grade: Indolent, may not require treatment until symptoms develop.
- High grade: Aggressive, life-threatening, require urgent treatment.
Fill in the blank: A mutation in globin genes leading to abnormal haemoglobin synthesis is called a _______.
[haemoglobinopathy]
What are anticoagulants?
Drugs that interfere with secondary haemostasis and coagulation factors.
What is the purpose of a coagulation screen?
To assess the blood’s ability to clot and identify bleeding disorders.
What is the difference between ‘group and screen’ and ‘cross-match’?
- Group and screen: Identifies blood type and antibodies.
- Cross-match: Tests compatibility between donor and recipient blood.
What is pancytopenia?
The presence of anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia.
True or False: Hypercalcaemia is a complication that can occur from chemotherapy.
False.
Causes of marrow failure
Malignancy, drugs, infection, nutritional, radiation
