Vampires in white coats

Anaemia: General Aspects

Anaemia is a condition when the haemoglobin concentration is lower than expected ie. below the reference range for a population of similar age and sex. As explained in the previous module, the normal haemoglobin concentration varies according to age groups and gender. Anaemia is often asymptomatic, Chronic anaemia however poses a significant threat to satisfactoryContinue reading “Anaemia: General Aspects”

Red Cells: Counts and Interpretation

Full blood count (FBC) The full blood count (FBC) is a commonly ordered test and is is often considered a routine request for all in-patient admissions. Among outpatients it is likely the most commonly ordered test. The FBC includes information on; Haemoglobin (HB) Red cell parameters (RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) Total white blood cellContinue reading “Red Cells: Counts and Interpretation”

Blood: General Characteristics

Total blood volume (TBV) The total blood volume (TBV) of an adult is estimated at about 70 ml/kg. Estimated TBV may differ depending on lean body mass content. The higher the body fat content, the lower is the blood volume per unit mass. A simple estimate of TBV may be as follows; Average adult: 70Continue reading “Blood: General Characteristics”

Red Cells: Regulation and Control

Considering that the primary function of red cells is the carriage and delivery of oxygen, it is not surprising that the regulation of red cell production is tightly controlled by cellular oxygen sensing. The cellular response to hypoxia was described through the Nobel prize winning works of Kaelin, Ratcliffe and Semenza. Erythropoietin (EPO) is aContinue reading “Red Cells: Regulation and Control”

Haematopoiesis

Haematopoiesis refers to the developmental process of blood cells. All blood cells are derived from the bone marrow in the adult. At the end of this module, you should be able to; Explain the process of haematopoiesis in the bone marrow Describe the components of blood Recognise the cellular elements of blood and their respectiveContinue reading “Haematopoiesis”

Blood: Some Fun Facts

Blood cells, either in circulation or within the bone marrow, account for nearly 93% of all cells within the human body. The marrow produces approximately six billion cells per kilogram of body weight per day. Although blood cells are the most numerous cells in numbers, by weight they are far exceeded by fat cells andContinue reading “Blood: Some Fun Facts”

Shock

Blood must continuously flow in a circuit. If we take plumbing and water supply as an analogy, water can only be supplied to your home if the reservoir (blood volume) is filled, the main pump (heart) works efficiently and the circuit (vasculature and peripheral resistance) that delivers water is of appropriate calibre and pressure. FailureContinue reading “Shock”