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MLAB 1415- HematologyKeri Brophy-Martinez

Chapter 1

Introduction to Hematology

Chapter 1: Terms

Hematology

Study of formed cellular blood elements: the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets

Hemostasis

Arrest of bleeding by the formation of a barrier to blood loss

Maintenance of an adequate number of cells to carry out the functions of the organism

Hematopoiesis

Dynamic formation and development of blood cells, normally in the bone marrow

Process responsible for the replacement of circulating blood cells

Chapter 1

Functions of the Hematology lab

Confirm a physician’s clinical impression

of a possible hematological disorder

Establish a diagnosis or rule out a

diagnosis

Detect an unsuspected disorder

Monitor the effects of radiation or

chemotherapy

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Chapter 1: Blood Composition

Plasma: 55%

Constituents of Plasma

Water (92%)

Solutes(8%)

Albumins

Globulins

Fibrinogen

Others ( electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, lipids,

salts, enzymes and carbohydrates)

Chapter 1:Functions of Plasma

Transport medium for nutrients & metabolites

Immune Defense

Coagulation

Chapter 1: Blood Composition

Cellular Elements Leukocytes: 1%

White Blood Cell= WBC

Granulocytes- fight infection

Lymphocytes- cellular and humoral immunity

Monocytes- phagocytosis of foreign substances and dead or dying cells

Platelets: 1%

Thrombocytes

Help to maintain hemostasis by plugging capillaries and forming clots

Actually a fragment of cytoplasm from megakaryocyte

Erythrocytes: 43%

Red Blood Cell= RBC

Transports oxygen (O2) to tissues and excrete carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues

RBC’s do not have a nucleus

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A Erythrocytes (RBCs)

B&H Lymphocytes

C&E Segmented neutrophil

D Eosinophil

F Monocyte

G Platelets

I Neutrophilic band

J Basophil

55%

45%

proteins, albumins,

globulins, fibrinogen,

electrolytes, hormones,

nutrients, and

respiratory gases

Chapter 1:Blood Composition

Plasma: liquid portion of blood from an anticoagulated tubes

Serum: liquid portion of blood from a clotted specimen

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Chapter 1: Reference range

Differ according to age, race, sex and geographic location

Established by individual facilities in order to account for patient population

Refer to inside covers of textbook to review various reference ranges

Overview: Laboratory testing

Complete Blood Count= CBC

Quantifies the white blood cells (WBC),

red blood cells (RBC) , hemoglobin,

hematocrit and platelets.

Calculates the RBC indices

WBC Differential: enumeration of the

types of WBC’s, RBC morphology,

platelets