A heparinized blood sample is collected from a patient during open-heart surgery. The surgeon requests a complete blood count on the specimen. The most appropriate course of action is:
The most appropriate course of action for a heparinized blood sample collected during open-heart surgery is to perform a complete blood count (CBC) on the specimen
The most appropriate course of action for a heparinized blood sample collected during open-heart surgery is to perform a complete blood count (CBC) on the specimen. A CBC provides valuable information about the various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
To perform a CBC on the heparinized blood sample, the first step is to evenly mix the sample by gently inverting the blood collection tube several times. This ensures that the heparin is evenly distributed throughout the sample. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting, allowing accurate analysis of the blood components.
Next, the sample is transferred to an automated hematology analyzer, which is a machine specifically designed to obtain a complete blood count. The analyzer uses various techniques, such as flow cytometry and impedance measurements, to obtain quantitative and qualitative information about the blood cells.
The CBC includes several parameters that are essential for evaluating a patient’s overall health and diagnosing conditions. These parameters include:
1. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): This measures the number of red blood cells in the sample. Abnormal RBC counts can indicate anemia, polycythemia, or other blood disorders.
2. Hemoglobin (Hb) Concentration: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin concentration provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
3. Hematocrit (Hct): This represents the volume percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. It is a measure of the blood’s viscosity and helps diagnose conditions like dehydration or polycythemia.
4. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): MCV measures the average size of red blood cells. It helps classify anemia into different types, such as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
5. White Blood Cell Count (WBC): This measures the number of white blood cells. Increased or decreased WBC counts can indicate infections, inflammation, or other blood disorders.
6. Platelet Count: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Platelet count helps diagnose bleeding disorders or thrombocytosis/thrombocytopenia.
In addition to these parameters, a CBC may also include differential leukocyte counts, which provide information about the relative proportions of different types of white blood cells present in the sample.
Once the CBC is completed, the results are analyzed by a healthcare professional, such as a hematologist or a pathologist. The results are interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and other laboratory tests, if necessary, to make an accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment options.
Performing a complete blood count on a heparinized blood sample collected during open-heart surgery allows healthcare professionals to monitor the patient’s blood parameters, detect any abnormalities, and promptly initiate necessary interventions if required.
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