What is hematology.... What does it consist of?

[CHIP WADOWSKI]

HEMATOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BLOOD.

WHAT DOES OUR BLOOD CONSIST OF? THERE ARE MANY THREADS THAT POP UP ASKING ABOUT HCT (HEMATOCRIT), OR RBC (RED BLOOD CELL COUNT), OR WBC (WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT), BUT WHAT DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS DO ALL OF THE COMPONENTS OF OUR BLOOD PERFORM WITHIN OUR BODIES? I THOUGHT I'D LIST THOSE COMPONENTS AND START WITH THE DEFINING OF THE FIRST FIVE, THEN LET YOU GUYS EACH TAKE ON TWO OR THREE COMPONENTS UNTIL WE HAVE THEM ALL DEFINED. ALL OF THE ABBREVIATIONS ARE AS THEY WOULD BE SHOWN ON A STANDARD BLOOD TEST....

-WBC....White blood cells, or leukocytes, are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Five different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system.

-RBC....Red blood cells (also referred to as erythrocytes) are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate organism's principal means of delivering oxygen (O2) to the body tissues via the blood flow through the circulatory system. They take up oxygen in the lungs or gills and release it while squeezing through the body's capillaries.

-HGB....Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all vertebrates, with the exception of the fish family Channichthyidae, as well as the tissues of some invertebrates. Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the rest of the body (i.e., the tissues) where it releases the oxygen to burn nutrients to provide energy to power the functions of the organism, and collects the resultant carbon dioxide to bring it back to the respiratory organs to be dispensed from the organism.

-HCT....The hematocrit (Ht or HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV) or erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF) is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. It is normally about 45% for men and 40% for women. It is considered an integral part of a person's complete blood count results, along with hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and platelet count.

-MCV....The mean corpuscular volume, or "mean cell volume" (MCV), is a measure of the average red blood cell volume that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count.

-MCH
-MCHC
-RDW
-PLT CT
-MPV
-LYMPH%
-MONO%
-NEUT%
-EOS%
-BASO%
-LYMPH
-MONO
-NEUT
-EOS
-BASO
-RBC MORPHOLOGY


LETS GET A COUPLE OF SEARCHES FROM ALL YOU GUY'S TILL WE HAVE THE INFORMATION ON THE COMPLETE PANEL.

 

[Packgus]

I will do MCH

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or "mean cell hemoglobin" (MCH), is the average mass of hemoglobin per red blood cell in a sample of blood. It is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. MCH value is diminished in hypochromic anemias.[1]

It is calculated by dividing the total mass of hemoglobin by the number of red blood cells in a volume of blood.

MCH=(Hgb*10)/RBC [2]

A normal value in humans is 27 to 31 picograms/cell.[1] Conversion to SI-units: 1 pg of hemoglobin = 0.06207 femtomol.[3] Normal value converted to SI-units: 1.68 - 1.92 fmol/cell.

 

[TR2838]

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a red cell. Decreased MCHC values (hypochromia) are seen in conditions where the hemoglobin is abnormally diluted inside the red cells, such as in iron deficiency anemia and in thalassemia. Increased MCHC values (hyperchromia) are seen in conditions where the hemoglobin is abnormally concentrated inside the red cells, such as in burn patients and hereditary spherocytosis, a relatively rare congenital disorder.

Will add more info later

 

[lineguy]

I don't see how it's useful to simply copy and paste from wikipedia, but you could at least leave a citation, Chip.

-RDW
Red Cell Distribution Width
-PLT CT
platelet count
-MPV
mean platelet volume
-LYMPH
lymphocytes
-MONO
monocyte
-NEUT
Neutrophils
-EOS
Eosinophil
-BASO
Basophils
-LYMPH
lymphocytes

 

[TR2838]

I think it's very useful.. I think it's a great idea to have a good amount of info on this board for quik go to guides

 

[Teutonic]

I don't see how it's useful to simply copy and paste from wikipedia, but you could at least leave a citation, Chip.

All I know is this thread is informative, educational and I m learning from it....I find it very useful...and if you know this stuff like the back of your hand..your more informed than I.
(..but then I m just red neck euro trash)

Good thread Chip...

 

[lineguy]

Hell no I don't know this stuff like the back of my hand. I would think that an expert like Chip should, which is why I would not expect such a person to plagiarize. I think the best practice is to, at the very least, include a citation if you aren't going to write the info yourself. Not only is it discourteous and possibly illegal (I'm not an attorney, I don't know), it's unprofessional and could lead to people attributing that information to Chip. I don't think he's intending to take credit, or be given credit for the true author's work... hence the recommendation for a citation.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against having good relevant information here on this board. Quite the opposite, in fact; the more the better.

If only there were as many knowledgeable contributors as there are people kissing Chip's ass, this forum would be the best on the net

 

[3J]

Hell no I don't know this stuff like the back of my hand. I would think that an expert like Chip should, which is why I would not expect such a person to plagiarize. I think the best practice is to, at the very least, include a citation if you aren't going to write the info yourself. Not only is it discourteous and possibly illegal (I'm not an attorney, I don't know), it's unprofessional and could lead to people attributing that information to Chip. I don't think he's intending to take credit, or be given credit for the true author's work... hence the recommendation for a citation.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against having good relevant information here on this board. Quite the opposite, in fact; the more the better.

If only there were as many knowledgeable contributors as there are people kissing Chip's ass, this forum would be the best on the net

u know you've really rubbed me the wrong way here attacking my friend in every way you possibly can because you wanna seem like hot shit...

chip has changed hundreds of lives just on this board and your worried about citations.. what is this your university?? u a fucking professor???

i think, after reading your history, that you dont like being here...


and i'd be more then happy to show you the door..

 

[JKB]

Agree with 3J ^^. This lineguy keeps putting his stupid little 2 cents on educational threads and keeps targeting Chip and turns them in to a argumentative thread.

It would be much appreciated if you kept your UNWANTED comments to your self and took these forums for what they are. Which is BEING EDUCATED

 

[3J]

Dont worry hes gone

Freakin trollong bastard. Off all the people he can mess with. Chip? Seriously?

 

[Hawgslayer]

Some people are just sad. That dude needs to get his balls from his old ladies purse and quit being a douche.

 

[JKB]

RDW:

RDW is the abbreviation for "red blood cell distribution width." RDW calculates the varying sizes of red blood cell (RBC) volume in a blood sample.

It is virtually impossible to discuss the RDW aspect of a blood test without including MCV, or mean corpuscle value. MCV goes hand in hand with red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in terms of anemia and other hematology disorders, and the values of both are influenced by each other.

Example: Low MCV levels in combination with normal RDW may point to chronic disease, while low MCV combined with low RDW can denote iron deficiency. In the same respect, a normal MCV reading in combination with normal RDW may represent a chronic disorder, and normal MCV combined with high RDW can signify a B12 deficiency. Both high MCV and high RDW may mean that a patient is experiencing folate deficiency. When MCV levels are high and RDW is normal, chances are pre-leukemia may be present.

Normal RDW values are between 11 and 14 percent, with an optimum RDW value range of 13 percent.

 

[TR2838]

Dont worry hes gone

Freakin trollong bastard. Off all the people he can mess with. Chip? Seriously?

I'm happy he's gone.. I'm glad you stood up for chip there 3j.. I didn't want to look like a trouble maker fighting w/ this guy again..

Maybe we can get this thread back on track because threads like this will give us the knowledge to blow peoples minds when we can explain to them, with the proper terminology, why I am on Doctor Monitored hormone therapy and how it has improved my labs and life

 

[TR2838]

Nice first post, lineguy.. I mean censorship?

 

[3J]

what an idiot

 

[jerhendr2203]

(modified from posts in another well-known forum, whose mod swiped them from elsewhere)

LIVER LIPID PANEL***8212; Used to determine possible risk for coronary and vascular disease. In other words, heart disease.

HDL/LDL and Total Cholesterol: High density/low density lipoprotein ratio and total circulating concentration of cholesterol. HDL is simply the "good" lipoprotein that acts as a scavenger molecule and prevents a buildup of material. LDL is the "bad" lipoprotein that sticks to arterial walls and causes plaque, eventual blockage or reduction in blood flow. The total cholesterol to HDL ratio is also important. Its an indicator of relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low cholesterol values are indicative of severe liver disease (bile acid disease).

HDL > 35
LDL < 130
total cholesterol/HDL ratio < 3.5.
VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) < 30 mg/dl (risk indicator for heart disease).


Triglycerides: Triglycerides are simple form of circulating and stored fat, are bound and transported by VLDL and LDL complexes. A high level of triglycerides is also a risk factor for heart disease. Triglycerides levels can be increased if food or alcohol is consumed 12-24 hrs prior to blood testing - why you're asked to fast for 12-14 hrs from food and avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to testing.

Normal Range:
16-19 yr-old male 40-163 mg/dl
Adult Male 40-160 mg/dl
16-19 yr-old female 40-128 mg/dl
Adult Female 35-135 mg/dl

Homocysteine: always request that this be ordered by the doctor. Homocysteine is formed in the metabolism of the dietary amino acid methionine and folic acid. It's a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. It is an indicator of improper metabolism of B vitamins (usually from a shortage) or a shortage of methylation equivalents in the liver. This can easily be corrected by supplementation. Luckily, taking folic acid (about 400-800 mcg.), use of zinc, vitamin C, smallest doses of B vitamins twice per day and use of TMG (trimethylglycine) and s-adenosylmethionine will help correct this problem and avoid liver damage. It wil also help address low cholesterol readings, when coupled with other supplements.

Normal ranges:
Males and Females age 0-30 4.6-8.1 umol/L
Males age 30-59 6.3-11.2 umol/L
Females age 30-59 4.5-7.9 umol/L
>59 years of age 5.8-11.9 umol/L


Blood Cell Tests: These are various tests that examine a number of components of your blood and look for any abnormalities that could be indicative of serious diseases.

WBC Total (White Blood Cell): Also referred to as leukocytes, a fluctuation in the number of these types of cells may indicate the presence of infections and disease states dealing with impaired immune system status (cancer, excess stress/catabolism)

Normal range: 4,500-11,000/mm3

Neutrophils: This is one type of white blood cell that's in circulation for only a very short time. Essentially their job is phagocytosis, trapping and disposing of bacterial pathogens. Both severe trauma and bacterial infections, as well as inflammatory or metabolic disorders and even stress, can cause an increase in the number of these cells. Having a low number of neutrophils can be indicative of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or a rotten diet.

Normal range: 2,500-8,000 cells per mm3


RBC (Red Blood Cell): called erythrocytes, their primary function is to carry oxygen (via the hemoglobin contained in each RBC) to various tissues as well as giving our blood that cool "red" color. RBC survive in peripheral blood circulation for approximately 120 days. A decrease in the number of these cells can result in anemia which could stem from dietary insufficiencies. An increase in number can occur when androgens are used. This is because androgens increase EPO (erythropoietin) production and red blood cell division, increasing RBC count. This can increase blood pressure and result in stroke (called a cardiovascular accident, or CVA).

Normal ranges:
Adult Male 4,700,000-6,100,000 cells/uL
Adult Female 4,200,000-5,400,000 cells/uL


Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a carrier of dissolved gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, in blood, an important part of each red blood cell surface. An increase in hemoglobin can be an indicator of congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, sever burns, or dehydration. Being at high altitudes, or the use of androgens, can cause an increase as well. A decrease in number can be a sign of anemia, lymphoma, kidney disease, sever hemorrhage, cancer, sickle cell anemia, etc.

Normal ranges:
Youngsters/Adolescents: 10-15.5 g/dl
Adult Males 14-18 g/dl
Adult Females 12-16 g/dl


Hematocrit: The hematocrit is used to measure the percentage of the total blood volume that's made up of red blood cells. An increase in percentage may be indicative of congenital heart disease, dehydration, diarrhea, burns, etc. A decrease may be indicative of anemia, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, hemorrhage, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, malnutrition, a sucking knife wound to the chest, etc.

Normal ranges:
Youngesters and Adolescents: 32-44%
Adult Men 42-52%
Adult Women 37-47%


MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): This is one of three red blood cell indices used to check for abnormalities. The MCV is the size or volume of the average red blood cell. A decrease in MCV would then indicate that the RBC's are abnormally large(or macrocytic), and this may be an indicator of iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. When an increase is noted, that would indicate abnormally small RBC (microcytic), and this may be indicative of a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency as well as liver disease.

Normal ranges:
Adult Male 80-100 fL
Adult Female 79-98 fL
Adolescent 78-100 fL


MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): The MCH is the weight of hemoglobin present in the average red blood cell. This is yet another way to assess whether some sort of anemia or deficiency is present.

Normal ranges:
Adolescent: 35-45 pg
Adult Male 26-34 pg
Adult Female 26-34 pg


MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): The MCHC is the measurement of the amount of hemoglobin present in the average red blood cell as compared to its size. A decrease in number is an indicator of iron deficiency, thalassemia, lead poisoning, etc. An increase is sometimes seen after androgen use.

Normal ranges:
Adolescent: 31-37 g/dl
Adult Male 31-37 g/dl
Adult Female 30-36 g/dl

RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width): The RDW is an indicator of the variation in red blood cell size. It's used in order to help classify certain types of anemia, and to see if some of the red blood cells need their suits tailored. An increase in RDW can be indicative of iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia, and diseases like sickle cell anemia.

Normal ranges:
Adult Male 11.7-14.2%
Adult Female 11.7-14.2%


Platelets: Platelets or thrombocytes are essential for your body's ability to form blood clots and thus stop bleeding. They're measured in order to assess the likelihood of certain disorders or diseases. An increase can be indicative of a malignant disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, iron deficiency anemia, etc. A decrease may be caused by infection, various types of anemia, leukemia, etc.

Normal Range for Adults:
150,000-400,000/mm3 (Or 150-400 x 10(9th)/L)
Anything above 1 million/mm3 would be considered a critical value and should be evaluated by a blood specialist (hematologist).


ABS (Differential Blood Cell Type Counts): The differential count measures the percentage of each type of leukocyte or white blood cell present in the same specimen. Using this, they can determine whether there's a bacterial or parasitic infection, as well as immune reactions, etc.

Neutrophils: Severe trauma, stress and bacterial infections, as well as inflammatory disorders, metabolic disorders can cause an increase in the neutrophil count. A low number can indicate a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or a deficient diet.

Normal Percentile Range:55-70%


Basophils: Both basolphils and eosinophils are present in an allergic reaction and parasite infection. These types of cells don't increase in response to viral or bacterial infections, so if an increased count is noted, it can be deduced that either an allergic response has occurred or a zoophilic pathogen infection is present.

Normal Percentile Range:
Basophils 0.5-1.0 %
Eosinophils 1.0-4.0 %


Lymphocytes and Monocytes: Lymphocytes can be divided in to two different types of cells: T cells and B cells. T cells are involved in immune reactions and B cells are involved in antibody production. The main job of lymphocytes in general is to fight off ***8212; Bruce Lee style ***8212; bacterial and viral infections. Monocytes are similar to neutrophils but are produced more rapidly and stay in the system for a longer period of time.

Normal Percentile Range:
Lymphocytes 20-40 %
Monocytes 2-8 %