Hematology-I

1.1 Introduction to Specimen Collection Specimen collection is the first major step in the laboratory testing process . The quality of the laboratory result depends not only on the analytical method but also on the quality of the specimen submitted for examination. The laboratory testing process can broadly be divided into: Pre-analytical phase → Analytical phase → Post-analytical phase Specimen collection is part of the pre-analytical phase . Pre-analytical phase includes: Patient identification Test/request verification Patient preparation Selection of appropriate specimen Specimen collection Correct container and anticoagulant Labeling Handling Transportation Storage/preservation An incorrectly collected or poorly handled specimen can produce an inaccurate result even when the laboratory instrument and analytical procedure are functioning correctly. 1.2 General Principles of Blood Collection Blood collection must be performed carefully to: Obtain a representative specimen Prevent co...

 INTRODUCTION TO HEMATOLOGY 1.1 What is Hematology? Definition Hematology is the branch of biomedical science and laboratory medicine concerned with the study of blood, blood-forming tissues, blood cells, and disorders of the hematopoietic system . The term hematology is derived from: Haema = blood Logos/Logia = study Thus, hematology literally means the study of blood . However, modern hematology is much broader than the study of blood itself. It includes the study of: Blood cells Plasma Bone marrow Blood cell formation Blood cell maturation Hemostasis and coagulation Blood cell disorders Hematological malignancies Laboratory investigation of hematological diseases 1.2 Scope of Hematology Hematology can be considered from two major perspectives: A. Normal Hematology The study of: Normal blood composition Normal blood cell structure Normal blood cell functions Blood cell production Blood cell maturation Normal physiological variation B. Clinical Hematology The study of: Disorder...