Blood Tests
Hematology The study of blood, its functions, and composition Blood is composed of 4 parts ◦(1) Plasma Liquid where the other components are suspended in ◦(2) Red blood cells ◦(3) White blood cells ◦(4) Platelets
Drawing Blood Specimens Venipuncture ◦Requires puncturing a vein with a needle and collecting blood into either a tube or syringe ◦Most common sites are the median cubital and cephalic veins of the forearm
3 Methods…
Drawing Blood Specimens (1) Evacuation Systems Equipment: The VACUTAINER system is used. Including a special double-pointed needle, a plastic needle holder/adapter, and collection tubes Collection tubes are sealed to create a vacuum Easy to collect several samples, tubes collect the exact amount needed, collection tubes are prepared with additives, contamination is reduced Most common
Drawing Blood Specimens (1) Evacuation Systems The Vacutainer system
Stopper Colour Test Types Yellow Blood cultures Blue Coagulation studies Red Blood chemistries, AIDS antibody, viral studies, serologic tests, blood grouping and typing Gold or Red/Black Tests requiring blood serum Green Electrolyte studies, arterial blood gases Lavender Hematology studies Gray Blood glucose
Drawing Blood Specimens (2) Needle and Syringe Systems For patients with small or fragile veins Evacuation system may cause veins to collapse Smaller needles can be used and healthcare worker has control over plunger speed Sample is collected in the syringe and must be transferred to a collection tube
Drawing Blood Specimens (2) Needle and Syringe Systems
Drawing Blood Specimens (3) Butterfly Systems Also for patients with small or fragile veins Equipment: butterfly needle, tubing, a plastic needle holder/adapter, and collection tubes Flexible wings simplify insertion and the inserted needle remains completely undisturbed while collecting, thereby reducing trauma
Drawing Blood Specimens (3) Butterfly Systems
What is your blood type?
Type A Antigen A is present on the surface of red blood cells Also have antibody B in plasma Antibody B only binds to antigen B*
Type B Antigen B present on the surface of the red blood cells Antibody A present in plasma
What happens when Type A is given Type B? Results in clumping of RBCs and possible hemolysis - the rupturing of RBCs, which releases hemoglobin The released hemoglobin can block the renal tubules and cause kidney failure and death
Type AB Both antigen A and antigen B on surface of RBC’s Have neither antibody A or B in plasma Called universal recipients can receive all ABO blood types
Type O Have neither antigen A nor B However, they do have antibody A and antibody B in plasma Called universal donors blood can give to most people regardless of recipient’s blood type
Blood Type
Rh Factor (Rhesus) The Rhesus factor is another antigen on the red blood cell It is inherited Individuals who have this antigen are said to be Rh positive (85% of Canadians) individuals who do not have this antigen are Rh negative Rh negative may donate to Rh positive, but should not receive their blood
Hmmm???