Hematology

Basic dye that stains the acidic part of the cell

(nucleic acids in the nucleus).

The study of blood cells and blood forming tissue,

includes RBCs, WBCs and platelets.

Hemostasis

Eosin
Acidic dye that stains the basic part of the cell
(ribosomes and other cellular parts).

The study of cellular and humoral systems that

controls blood flow, bleeding and clotting.

EDTA
Purple top - prevents clotting by removing

RBCs
Have a lifespan of about 120 days.

Coagulation Proteins

calcium, commonly used in hematology.

Manufactured in liver for forming clots.

Heparin

Platelets

Green top - inactivates thrombin and

AKA thrombocytes; work at a cellular level in

thromboplastin.

regards to hemostasis. Responsible for sealing

wounds, repairing blood vessels, and maintaining

Sodium Citrate

vascular patency.

Blue top - Binds to calcium. 1:9 ratio

Vascular

Microsamples

Keeps the veins intact in regards to hemostasis.

Includes capillary tubes, bullts/microtainers

Assessment of Red Cells and

Morphology

Capillary Sticks
Typically performed in pediatrics

Includes numeric values, cell color, size, shape,

inclusions and distribution patterns.

Unclotted Blood
Does not contain fibrinogen.

Wright Stain

Assessment of White Blood Cells

Includes numeric values, cells counts, differential
counts and flow cytometry. Used for detecting

Polychromatic stain.

leukemia.

Methylene Blue

Assessment of Platelets

Includes numeric counts, functional assays, and

morphology.

Cellularity
Fat to cell ratio, M:E Ratio (myeloid:erythroid)

Automated Hematology Tests

Assessment of Coagulation

Includes hemograms, histograms, scatterplots, auto

Includes platelet function testing,

differentials, interpretative statements and reviews.

coagulation/bleeding disorders, monitor

anticoagulant therapy, thrombosis testing, and

Manual Hematology Tests

Includes microhematocrits, calculated cell indices,
hemacytometer cell counts, microscopic
differentials, and sedimentation rates.

molecular assays.

Megaloblastic Tests
Tests for enlarged RBCs. Includes vitamin B12,
Folate, Intrinsic Factor IF Antibodies, Parietal Cell

Reticulocytes
Young RBCs (immature), tracked during the
process of diagnosis. EX: When someone is

Antibodies, Schilling Test, LDH and Gastrin.

Iron Studies

suffering from low iron, they are given iron and

Includes Iron, TIBC, % Saturation, Ferritin,

their reticulocytes are monitored to see if they

Hemosiderin, Ferritin receptors (CD 71), and Free

recover.

Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (FEP).

Tests for Hemolytic Disorders

Reticulocyte Counts

Includes Osmotic Fragility, Autohemolysis, G6PD,

Important test where RNA is stained using new

PK, GSH, Ham's, Sucrose Lysis, DAT, Indirect

methylene or brilliant cresyl blue, both manual and

Coombs', Haptoglobin, Plasma Hemoglobin,

automated methods are available.

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, Solubility Tests,

Fetal Hemoglobin, Hgb H, Heinz Body, LDH, and
Bilirubin.

Assessment of Bone Marrow

Includes cellularity, differentials, iron stores,

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

General screening test for inflammation. Methods
include Modified Westergren and Wintrobe.
Limitations include plasma and red cell factors,
sample integrity, and outside influences.

special techniques (molecular diagnostics and

cytogenetics), and microbiology.

Plasma and Red Cell Factors (ESR)

Inc fibrinogen and Igs will increase ESR. Sickle

cells, acanthocytes, spherocytes will decrease ESR.

Outside Influences (ESR)

Includes temperature, vibrations, tilting and
balance.

Sample Integrity (ESR)

Must be within 2 hrs of blood draw. No clots or
fibrin. Blood/anticoagulant ratio.

Early Lysis
Indicates presence of hemolytic disorders.