by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
Blood Films A blood film is the process where blood cells are taken and spread on a slide for histological analysis. Particular conditions can lead to the presence of specific blood cells which can be seen in a blood smear Target Cells (Mexican Hat) These are cells... by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
Coagulation Studies The coagulation cascade converts fibrinogen to fibrin Coagulation factors are produced in the liver in an inactive state. Extrinsic pathway requires Tissue Factor (activates Factor VII) Intrinsic pathway is activated by subendothelial collagen... by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
Anion Gap Anion Gap We can calculate the anion gap from an ABG. This is the value of measured negative anions subtracted from the value of measured positive cations in plasma. It is very useful in helping to work out the cause of a metabolic acidosis. As HCO3- is the... by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
Base Excess The base excess is the amount of strong acid that must be added to each litre of fully oxygenated blood to return the pH to 7.40 at a temperature of 37°C and a pCO2 of 40 mmHg. Whilst P(CO2) defines the respiratory component, the base excess tells... by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
How to Interpret an ABG Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) This involves sampling blood from an artery to work out the arterial PO2 and PCO2, as well as the pH and HCO3-. It is used in various situations e.g., hypoxia, exacerbations of respiratory conditions and... by Ankit Chadha | Sep 18, 2022
HbA1c and TFTs HbA1c This is a measure of the glycosylated haemoglobin in the bloodstream. HbA1c is proportional to the glucose concentration in the blood. It is used to measure the three-month average blood sugar level. It is used to measure glycaemic control in...
