Total solids/protein This is measured by refractometer and actually measures refractive index versus total protein. It is used as an estimate for total protein (which are the constituents of plasma that have the most effect on the refractive index). This is used as a quick guide as to potential mechanisms for anemia (e.g. a low […]
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The leukogram or leukon includes all tests that evaluate WBC, including the following: Assessment of leukocyte numbers: Total WBC count (all cell types), relative (%) and absolute (cells/uL) differential leukocyte count (WBC separated by type). WBC morphologic features: These can give clues as to underlying disease pathogenesis or can identify the cause of the anemia,
Evaluation of the bone marrow response is an initial step in characterizing an anemia. If the bone marrow is responding to an anemia, then the anemia is classified as regenerative and the cause of the anemia is hemorrhage or hemolysis. A bone marrow or regenerative response is assessed by identifying immature anucleate red blood cells (RBC) in
The mean cell volume (MCV) indicates the volume of the “average” red blood cell (RBC) in a sample. It is expressed in femtoliters (fL; 10-15 liters). Traditionally, MCV was a calculated index, based on the packed cell volume (PCV) and RBC count (RBC) derived by using the following formula: MCV = (PCV ÷ RBC) x 10 Present-day
The red blood cell count on the routine CBC is the concentration of red blood cells, expressed in millions/µL of whole blood. While red blood cell counts can be performed by manual techniques, such as a hemocytometer, these are time-consuming and inaccurate. We do, however, use them for counting RBC in fluids with low cell
Hemoglobin (Hgb), which consists of a heme group (porphyrin ring containing ferrous or Fe2+ iron) plus a pair of α and a pair of β globin chains, carries oxygen. In humans, hemoglobin is typically used to evaluate red blood cell mass versus PCV or HCT. However, in animals we generally default to the HCT or PCV
The erythrogram or erythron includes all tests that evaluate RBC, including the following: Assessment of red blood cell numbers: Hematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, RBC count. The cell counts (hematocrit or packed cell volume, red blood cell count and hemoglobin) are usually interpreted similarly, although in human medicine, hemoglobin measurement as
Examination of a blood smear is an integral part of a hemogram. Blood smear analysis allows quantitation of the different types of leukocytes (called the differential count), estimation of the platelet count, and detection of morphologic abnormalities that may be indicators of pathophysiologic processes. In some instances, a diagnosis may be evident. Deriving full value
A hemogram contains all of the pertinent information required for assessment of hematopoiesis as well as a visual assessment of plasma appearance and measurement of total solids (an estimate of total protein) in plasma. The hemogram can be broken down into groups depending on what we would like to evaluate: Erythrogram: This includes counts of
Hematology encompasses a broad range of topics, including hematopoiesis (production of all cell types in blood) and laboratory assessment of hematopoietic cells. Veterinary hematology is incredibly interesting, because there are marked species differences in hematopoietic cells. For instance, birds, amphibians and reptiles have nucleated erythrocytes and platelets (called thrombocytes), which makes assessment of their blood
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