BLOOD COMPONENTS

1. What is blood and what are its components?

- Blood is a vital fluid in the human body that circulates through the cardiovascular system. It
consists of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets
(thrombocytes).

2. What are the formed elements of blood and what are their functions?
- Formed elements include red blood cells (transport oxygen), white blood cells (immune
response), and platelets (blood clotting). Each component plays a crucial role in maintaining the
body's overall health and functionality.

3. What is the difference between plasma and serum?

- Plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains water, electrolytes, proteins,
hormones, and waste products. Serum is similar to plasma but lacks fibrinogen, a clotting factor.
It is obtained by allowing blood to clot and then removing the clot and blood cells.

4. How is the serum prepared in the laboratory?

- Serum is obtained by allowing blood to clot after collection. The clot is then removed by
centrifugation, resulting in the separation of serum from the blood cells.

5. What is the purpose of performing routine hematologic tests?

- Routine hematologic tests help assess various aspects of blood health, including red and
white blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and more. These tests aid in
diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as anemia, infections, and clotting disorders.

6. What are the types of specimens collected for hematologic tests?

- Common specimens include whole blood, plasma, serum, and sometimes bone marrow.
Whole blood is often collected in anticoagulant tubes for cell counts, while serum is used for
tests that require clotting.

7. Why are the middle three fingers preferred for skin puncture?
- The middle three fingers (ring, middle, and index) are often preferred for skin puncture in
adults and older children because they have fewer nerve endings and are less sensitive, making
the procedure more comfortable.

8. Why is venipuncture not used for collecting blood samples in newborns and infants?
- Venipuncture may not be suitable for newborns and infants due to their small vein size,
making it challenging to collect an adequate sample without causing complications.

9. Which is the ideal site for collecting blood in newborns and infants, and why?
- The heel is often the preferred site for collecting blood in newborns and infants. It provides a
sufficient sample size and is less invasive than other sites.

10. Why is EDTA commonly preferred for collecting venous blood?

- EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a common anticoagulant used for venous blood
collection. It prevents blood clotting by chelating calcium ions, preserving the integrity of blood
cells and allowing accurate testing.
11. What is buffy coat and what is its significance?
- The buffy coat is the thin layer between the plasma and red blood cells after centrifugation.
It contains white blood cells and platelets. Its significance lies in the fact that it can be extracted
for specific diagnostic tests related to white blood cells and platelet function.

12. Why should blood be properly mixed with anticoagulants immediately after collection?
- Proper mixing ensures uniform distribution of the anticoagulant, preventing clotting and
preserving the accuracy of test results. Inadequate mixing may lead to clot formation or uneven
distribution of anticoagulant, affecting the reliability of hematologic test results.

13. What types of blood samples are unsuitable for hematologic tests and why?
- Hemolyzed samples (containing broken red blood cells) are unsuitable as they can interfere
with test results. Clotted samples are also unsuitable for tests that require plasma or serum.
Improperly collected or contaminated samples may lead to inaccurate results.