Hematology

• Blood functions to:

  • Transport nutrients and distribute heat to all body cells
  • Remove metabolic waste products from all body cells
  • Provide protection from foreign particles invading the body
  • Aid in the process of blood clotting
• Hematology is the science or study of blood
• Blood volume in an adult is between 5-6 liters or is estimated at one eighth of total body weight
• Normal blood pH is 7.35-7.45
• Blood is a complex connective tissue consisting of two components:

  • Extracellular fluid called plasma, representing 55% of blood volume
  • Cells, specifically erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes, making up 45% of the blood volume
• Formed elements (cells) in blood:

  • Erythrocytes (red blood cells): 46 million per mm3 of blood, transport oxygen and help transport carbon dioxide
  • Leukocytes (white blood cells): 4000-11,000 per mm3 of blood, functions include defense and immunity
  • Basophils, neutrophils, platelets, lymphocytes, and monocytes are types of leukocytes with specific functions
• Without plasma, which contains the natural anticoagulant heparin, cells could not circulate through the vascular system. Without cells, necessary gas exchange and metabolic processes could not be maintained
• Acetic Acid:

  • Used to lyse red cells and leave WBCs intact (vinegar is a dilute form)
• Agglutination:

  • Clumping together
• Agranulocyte:

  • No granules e.g. lymphocytes & monocytes
• Albumin:

  • Protein that regulates the body’s osmotic pressure
• Ameboid Movement:

  • WBC movement – like an ameba
• Anemia:

  • Low hemoglobin level
• Anisocytosis:

  • Variations in size – particularly of RBCs
• Antibody:

  • A protein (immunoglobulin) produced by lymphocytes
• Anucleate:

  • Without a nucleus e.g. RBCs
• Aplastic:

  • No production of cells
• Band or Stab:

  • Young polymorphonuclear cell
• Basophil:

  • Dark granuled poly – granules contain histamine
• Bilirubin:

  • From the breakdown of “heme” from old red cells
• Blood Antigens:

  • Antigens on RBCs e.g. A, B, Rh
• Blood Film (smear):

  • Thin film of blood for staining
• Blood pH:

  • Normal is 7.35 - 7.45 – the acidity of the blood
• Calcium:

  • Required for clotting, bone development, muscle contractions etc.
• CBC:

  • Routine health screen – Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, Diff
• Coagulation:

  • Clotting process
• Crenated Cell:

  • Shrunken – lost water
• Diapedesis:

  • Movement of cells through other cells walls by squeezing through small spaces
• Differential Count:

  • Differentiating the different WBCs
• Electrolytes:

  • Ions in blood needed for electrical signals (Na, K, Cl, bicarb)
• Embolus:

  • A blood clot that moves through the circulatory system
• Eosinophil:

  • A poly with bright red granules – increased in allergies and with intestinal parasites
• Erythroblastosis Fetalis:

  • Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn – Rh antibodies
• Erythrocytes:

  • Red blood cells
• Erythropoietin:

  • Hormone from the kidneys that stimulate bone marrow production of RBCs
• ESR:

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Extrinsic Factor:

  • Cyanocobalamin – Vitamin B12
• Fibrin:

  • The fibers of a clot
• Fibrinogen:

  • Is converted to fibrin in the clotting process
• Formed Elements:

  • Cells