Session 3- Blood counts and films Flashcards
1
Q
Why are blood samples for FBC placed in a tube containing EDTA?
A
EDTA acts as an anticoagulant
by chelating the Ca2+ ions
2
Q
What is the haematocrit?
How do you work it out?
A
How much of the whole blood volume is RBC’s (a fraction)
MCV x no. of RBC’s/ L
3
Q
How are reticulocytes counted in a blood sample?
A
stains/ fluorescent dyes which bind ribosomal RNA (not present in mature RBC’s)
