Introduction to

Clinical Hematology I

Clarence Witty H. Mendoza-Fenol, RMT, MSMT

What is HEMATOLOGY?
 Hematology is a systematic study of blood
cells that aids in the diagnosis, treatment and
monitoring of diseases.
Blood
Functions of Blood
TRANSPORTS FROM TO
Oxygen (O2) Lungs All cells
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Cells Lungs
Nutrients Digestive organ All cells
Organs of excretion
Waste products All cells
(kidneys & lungs)
Hormones Endocrine glands Target organs
• Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance between cells and interstitial fluid, and of
body and cell temperature.
• Protects against toxins produced by bacteria
• Prevents fluid loss through the clotting mechanism
Composition of Blood
• 45% formed elements (RBC, WBC,
Platelets)
• 55% fluid portion
• 90% water
• 10% proteins, CHO, Vitamins, hormones,
enzymes, lipids, and salts

• Total Volume: Adult 5-6 L (7-8 % body

weight)
• HYPOVOLEMIA – decreased blood volume
(e.g. loss of whole blood, loss of plasma, loss
of body water)
• HYPERVOLEMIA – increased blood volume
(e.g. in blood transfusion)
An Overview of the
Blood Components
Plasma
• Liquid portion of the blood
• Serum is the fluid portion of the blood that remains
after fibrin and the formed elements have been
removed.
WATER: carries formed elements and dissolved substances; absorbs heat

MAJOR PROTEINS. (1) Albumin controls water movement across membranes; affects blood
viscosity, pressure, and volume; transports substances such as drugs. (2) Globulin forms antibodies
to fight bacteria and viruses. (3) Fibrinogen forms fibrin and, with platelets, coagulates blood.

NON-PROTEIN NITROGEN. Products of metabolism: urea, uric acid, creatine, creatinine,

ammonium salts; toxic if not removed; carried in blood to organs of excretion.

PRODUCTS OF DIGESTION. Amino acids, glucose, fatty adds – all needed by cells for energy,
repair, and reproduction.

REGULATORY SUBSTANCES. Enzymes for cellular chemical reactions; hormones to regulate growth
and development.

ELECTROLYTES. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg+), chloride (Cl–),
phosphate (PO4–), sulfate (SO4–), bicarbonate (HCO3–), and inorganic salts.
Formed Elements
Red Blood Cells (RBC) or Erythrocytes
• Erythro meaning “red”
• Normocytic (6-8 µm)
• Normochromic (1/3 pallor area)
• Biconcave disk
• Anucleated
• Not rigid
• Has no inclusion
Red Blood Cells (RBC) or Erythrocytes
• Hemoglobin (Hgb, Hb) is a
protein component that
functions for oxygen
transport.
• It is composed of two pairs
of protein chains called
globin and four smaller units
called heme, which contain
iron. Iron binds and releases
oxygen (O2).
Red Blood Cells (RBC) or Erythrocytes
• Anemia means loss of oxygen-carrying capacity and is
often reflected in a reduced RBC count.

• Polycythemia means an increased RBC count reflecting

increased body RBC mass, a condition that leads to
hyperviscosity.
White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes

Neutrophil Monocyte Eosinophil

Basophil Lymphocyte
 White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
By function

By shape of the nucleus

By the site of origin

By staining characteristics
 White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
By function

• Defense cells; phagocytes (granulocytes, macrophages)

• Cells that produce antibodies and cellular immunity

(lymphocytes, plasma cells)
 White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
By shape of the nucleus

•Polymorphonuclear

•Mononuclear
 White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
By the site of origin

• Myeloid (MYE- = bone marrow)

• Lymphoid (lymph refers to the lymphatic system and

the fluid collected from tissues that flows through the
lymph vessels and is added to venous blood)
 White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
By staining characteristics

•Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils)

•Agranulocytes (monocytes, lymphocytes)

White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes
• Leukopenia is a decrease in WBC count (fewer than
4500/µL).

• Leukocytosis is an increase in WBC count (more than

11,500/µL).
Platelets or Thrombocytes
• Platelets are cytoplasmic fragments of megakaryocytes.
• Small (2-4 µm in diameter), granulated bodies with
various shapes (round, oval, spindle, discoid)
Platelets or Thrombocytes
• Hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding, is the
primary function of platelets.
Platelets or Thrombocytes
• Thrombocytosis is an increase in platelet counts.

• Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in platelet counts.

End.
Assignment:
• Make a chapter summary of HEMATOPOIESIS
(chapter 7). Short bond paper. Handwritten.