MLAB 1415- Hematology
Keri Brophy-Martinez
Unit 1
Introduction to
Hematology
Chapter 1: Terms

Hematology


Hemostasis


Study of formed cellular blood elements: the white
blood cells, red blood cells and platelets
Arrest of bleeding by the formation of a barrier to
blood loss
Hematopoiesis

Dynamic formation and development of blood cells,
normally in the bone marrow
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
Chapter 1: Blood
Composition

Plasma: 55%
 Constituents of Plasma


Water (90%)
Solutes(10%)




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: 45%

Red Blood Cell= RBC

Transports oxygen (O2) to tissues and excrete carbon dioxide
(CO2) from tissues

RBC’s do not have a nucleus
Chapter 1: Blood
Composition

Plasma: liquid portion of
blood from an
anticoagulated tubes

Serum: liquid portion of
blood from a clotted
specimen
Checkpoint
What cellular component of blood may be
involved in hemostasis?
Checkpoint
….Platelets
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 normal 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