Introduction to Haematology Flashcards
components of the blood
plasma (55%)
RBCs
WBCs
Platelets
the densest blood component
the RBCs, least dense is the plasma
when blood is centrifuged, the “buffy coat” is composed of
the WBCs and platelets
Haemopoiesis
refers to the production of blood cells
platelet cells are referred to as
thrombocytes
the average lifespan for the various blood cells
120days for RBCs
4 hours to 10 yeas for WBCs
10-14 days for platelets
name some of the main causes of cell loss
ageing
physical injury to tissues or the cells themselves
Ischemia
Autoimmune Diseases
Apoptosis
the first site of blood production in humans
the yolk sac
after 2-7 months of development, the part of the developping baby that takes over blood production is the spleen and the liver. After nine months, the bone marrow takes over.
do all the bones in an infant/adult produce blood?
they do
in adults, some of the bones cease to produce blood as we grow, so only a selected few do(Vertebrae, ribs, sternum, skull, sacrum, pelvis, proximal ends of femur)
progenitor cells
a type of undifferentiated cell with the capacity to differentiate into specific types of cells but with a more restricted potential compared to stem cells
where can you find immature cells in the body
the bone marrow
normal peripheral blood cells
these are mature blood cells that circulate around the body
name the four main normal peripheral cells circulating the body
ERYTHROCYTES(RBCs)
LEUCOCYTES(WBCs)
PLATELETS
Granulocytes are a component of leucocytes, true or false
true
granulocytes are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm, which contain various enzymes and substances involved in immune responses.
the types of granulocytes
neutrophils
basophils
Eosinophils
the most abundant types of granulocytes ae neutrophils
basophil functions
plays a role in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions. They release histamine and heparin from their granules, which contribute to inflammation and help regulate blood clotting.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=9f50a84c28a88f83&rlz=1C1GCEA_enGB1
neutrophils
They engulf and destroy bacteria and other pathogens through phagocytosis and release enzymes to help kill bacteria.
it is multi-lobed( 3 to 5 lobes)
other types of WBCs apart from granulocytes are
monocytes
lymphocytes
which wbcs develop into macrophages
monocytes
anaemia
A reduction in oxygen-carrying of the blood capacity due to a
lower haemoglobin concentration than is usual for
that individual
the three classifications of anaemia
Microcytic hypochromic(Small-sized red blood cells (microcytic) with reduced hemoglobin content, making them appear pale (hypochromic).)
Normocytic normochromic(Normal-sized red blood cells (normocytic) with normal hemoglobin content (normochromic).)
Macrocytic(Larger-than-normal red blood cells (macrocytic), which may or may not have normal hemoglobin content.)
note that different types of anaemia fall under different classifications
some clinical features or symptoms of anaemia
shortness of breath
lethargy
retinal harmorrhages
confusion
tachycardia
causes of IDA(iron deficiency anaemia)
depletion of iron levels due to;
Reduced absorption due to dietry deficiency or malabsorption
Blood loss
increased demand for growth in pregnancy
can the size of the RBCs decrease in case of IDA
yes it can, this is known as microcytosis, and is common in IDA
this is due to the lack of haemoglobin
what is meant by the term Hypochromic in IDA
this is used to describe when the RBCs become PALE due to the scarcity of haemoglobin
remember haemoglobin gives the cells their red colour
state three treatments for the treatment of IDA
oral iron supplements (Like ferrous fumerate…)
dietary changes(incroporating iron rich foods into one’s diet)
intravenous iron therapy for extreme cases of IDA, and patients that need more iron than supplements or diet can provide, at a quicker rate
which nutrient helps with the absorption of iron and how does it do it
vitamin c
it does this by reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron or preventing the conversion of iron to ferric iron
methods of diagnosing IDA
POCT( point of care testing)
Laboratory based tests
point of care testing is used for the initial doagnosis, where a quick assessmment of the blood might be required, but for a more accurate diagnosis, laboratory tests are used
some examples of POCT
Hemoglobin testing
hematocrit
POC ferritin or transferrin saturation tests.
Hematocrit (Hct) is a blood test that measures the percentage of your blood volume that is made up of red blood cells (RBCs)
Transferrin is a glycoprotein produced in the liver that binds to iron(III) to help transfer it throughout the body.
examples of lab based diagnosis for IDA
comprehensive diagnosis
peripheral blood smear
Serum Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)
Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content
note that the comprehensive diagnosis entails a combination of tests to identify IDA
ferritin
a protein that stores iron in the body and releases it when needed
it is used as an indicator of the body’s iron reserves