Test

Reference Value

Obtained Value

Clinical Interpretation

Significant of change

HEMATOLOGY Hemoglobin Female: 120-140 g/100mL 128 g/100mL Normal

Increased in chronic hypox decrease in blood loss or an

Medical Surgical Nursing by: Williams & Hopper p.5

Hematocrit

Female: 38-47%

40%

Normal

Increased in dehydration or chronic hypoxia; decrease i anemia or blood loss

Medical Surgical Nursing by: Williams & Hopper p.5

Decrease in anemia or bloo RBC 4.2-5.4 million/mm 4.4 million/mm Normal

Medical Surgical Nursing by: Williams & Hopper p.5 Increased in infection

Medical Surgical Nursing by: Williams & Hopper p.5 WBC 4.3-10.8 x 10 cells/L 6.8 x 10 cells/L Normal

Description of Hemoglobin Hemoglobin is a crystallizable, conjugated protein consisting of an iron-containing pigment (called heme or hematin) and a simple protein, globin. In the lungs, it combines readily with oxygen to form a loose, unstable compound called oxyhemoglobin, a process called oxygenation. In the tissues of the body, where oxygen tension is low and carbon dioxide tension is high, oxyhemoglobin liberates its oxygen in exchange for carbon dioxide. The composition of the globin chain can vary, giving rise to several normal and abnormal forms of hemoglobin. The amount of hemoglobin in the blood averages between 12 and 16 grams/100 milliliters of blood in adult females, about 14 and 18 in males, and somewhat less in children. How the Test is Performed A blood sample will be taken normally from the arm. If several tests are ordered, more than one vial of blood willl be taken. Hematocrit Blood drawn from a fingerstick is often used for hematocrit testing. The blood fills a small tube, which is then spun in a small centrifuge. As the tube spins, the red blood cells go to the bottom of the tube, the white blood cells cover the red in a thin layer called the buffy coat, and the liquid plasma rises to the top. The spun tube is examined for the line that divides the red cells from the buffy coat and plasma. The height of the red cell column is measured as a percent of the total blood column. The higher the column of red cells, the higher the hematocrit. The hematocrit test can also be done on an automated instrument as part of a complete blood count. It is also called Packed Red Cell Volume or Packed Cell Volume, or abbreviated as Hct or Crit. The test is covered by insurance when medically necessary. Results are usually available the same or following day. Preparation How the Test is Performed To collect the blood by fingerstick, a healthcare worker punctures a finger with a lancet and allows the blood to fill a small tube held to the puncture site. Tests done on an automated instrument require 57 mL of blood. A healthcare worker ties a tourniquet on the person's upper arm, locates a vein in the inner elbow region, and inserts a needle into that vein. Vacuum action draws the blood through the needle into an attached tube. Collection of the sample takes only a few minutes.

RBC Red blood cells or Erythrocytes, function primarily to frry oxygen in blood to all cells of the body. They are superb examples of the fit between cell structure and function. How the Test is Performed Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding. WBC White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system. How the Test is Performed A blood sample will be taken normally from the arm. If several tests are ordered, more than one vial of blood willl be taken.

References: www.google.com/about.com Anatomy and Physiology By Marieb