Introduction to Haematology

Question 1

Where are blood cells made?

Answer 1

bone marrow

Question 1

What is the process by which blood cells are made called?

Answer 1

haemopoiesis

Question 2

What are blood cells produced from?

Answer 2

haemopoietic stem cells

Question 3

What is Haemoglobin?

Answer 3

The oxygen carrier protein in the red blood cells

Question 4

The three different Haemoglobins?

Answer 4

1. Embryonic
2. Foetal
3. Adult Haemoglobin

Question 5

Who uses the Haematology lab?

Answer 5

1. Primary Health Care: GP
2. Secondary Care: hospital
3. Tertiary Care: centres and hospitals that provide specialised care

Question 6

What % of CO2 is carried by the haemoglobin for excretion?

Answer 6

10%

Question 7

What is the other 90% of CO2 carried by for excretion?

Answer 7

Carried as bicarbonate in plasma

Question 8

function of white cells (2)

Answer 8

1. Fighting infection
2. Immune response

Question 9

What are platelets also called?

Answer 9

Thrombocytes

Question 10

Function of platelets? (1)

Answer 10

To assisst in blood haemostasis

Question 11

What does plasma contain?

Answer 11

1. Water, nutrients: glucose, fatty acids, vitamins, hormones, waste products of metabolism
2. Plasma proteins: Albumin (NB for osmotic balance) and Immunoglobulins (antibodies)
3. Salts: sodium, potassium, calcium (NB for osmotic balance and pH buffering)
4. Coagulation factors

Question 12

What does the Buffy Coat contain and where is it positioned?

Answer 12

It contains white cells and platelets. It is at the interface between red cells and plasma.

Question 13

What is plasma used to measure?

Answer 13

Parameters such as coagulation (clotting) factors