Hematology

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time indicates how long it takes for blood to clot. This test is used as part of an investigation of a possible bleeding disorder or thrombotic episode and to monitor unfractionated (standard) heparin anticoagulant (substance used to prevent clot in blood) therapy.

Sample: Blood (plasma)?@ HBU7HY6

Reference: 25 – 35 seconds

Frequency: Daily

This test provides a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs).

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: A, B, AB, O rhesus-positive or rhesus-negative

Frequency: Daily

Bleeding time is a test used to determine how quickly your blood clots to stop you from bleeding. This test helps diagnose bleeding issues. The test is a basic assessment of how well your blood platelets work to form clots. Platelets are tiny cell fragments that circulate in your blood. They are the first cells to react to a blood vessel injury. They seal off the wound to prevent more blood from escaping.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: Less than 5 minutes

Frequency: Daily

This test is performed to determine your general health status; to screen for, diagnose, or monitor any one of a variety of diseases and conditions that affect blood cells, such as anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders or cancer.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: Not applicable

Frequency: Daily

The Direct Coombs test is used to test for autoimmune hemolytic anemia; i.e., a condition of a low count of red blood cells (RBCs) caused by immune system lysis or breaking of RBC membranes causing RBC destruction. In certain diseases or conditions an individual’s blood may contain IgG antibodies that can specifically bind to antigens on the RBC surface membrane, and their circulating RBCs can become coated with antibodies. Complement proteins may subsequently bind to the bound antibodies and cause RBC destruction. The direct Coombs test is used to detect these antibodies or complement proteins that are bound to the surface of red blood cells.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: Negative

Frequency: Daily

The indirect Coombs test is used in prenatal testing of pregnant women, and in testing blood prior to a blood transfusion. It detects antibodies against RBCs that are present unbound in the patient’s serum. In this case, serum is extracted from the blood sample taken from the patient. Then, the serum is incubated with RBCs of known antigenicity; that is, RBCs with known reference values from other patient blood samples. If agglutination occurs, the indirect Coombs test is positive.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: Negative

Frequency: Daily

This test measures the quantity of D-dimer in the blood. D-dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis, a process that prevents blood clots from growing and becoming problematic. The test helps rule out clotting (thrombotic) episodes and to help diagnose conditions related to thrombosis.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference: Less than 0.3 mg/l

Frequency: Daily

Test used to detect illnesses related to the body’s defense system. Eosinophil granulytes particularly play a role in allergic reactions and paracitic infections.

Sample: Blood

Reference: Between 40 and 400 per µl

Frequency: Daily

ESR measures how fast the red blood cells descend in a blood tube. This test is performed to detect the presence of inflammation caused by one or more conditions such as infections, tumors or autoimmune diseases.

Sample: Blood (serum)

Reference:

• Female: less than 20 mm/hr
• Male: less than 12 mm/hr

Frequency: Daily

Used as part of an investigation of a possible bleeding disorder or blood clot (thrombotic episode), particularly to evaluate the level and function of fibrinogen; sometimes used to help evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Sample: Blood (plasma)

Reference: Between 230 mg/dl and 500 mg/dl

Frequency: Daily

This test is used to evaluate the hemoglobin content of your blood. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport protein in the red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the respiratory organs (lungs or gills) to the rest of the body where it releases the oxygen to burn nutrients to provide energy to power the functions of the organism in the process called metabolism.

Sample: Blood

Reference:

• Female: between 11.0 g/dl and 15.0 g/dl
• Male: between 12.0 g/dl and 17.0 g/dl

Frequency: Twice a week

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitos. When a human is bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasites enter the blood stream and travel to the liver. After a person is infected, there is usually an incubation period of 7-30 days, after which the parasites enter the person’s red blood cells (RBCs). They then multiply inside these cells, which rupture within 48 to 72 hours, causing many of the symptoms of malaria to develop.

Sample: Blood

Reference: Negative

Frequency: Daily

This test is used to check how well blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant) is working to prevent blood clots. It also helps to detect and diagnose a bleeding disorder.

Sample: Blood (plasma)

Reference: Between 10.0 and 13.0 seconds

Frequency: Daily

This test helps evaluate the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs). It also helps distinguishing between various causes of anemia and helps monitor bone marrow response and the return of normal marrow function following chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or other post-treatment follow-up.

Sample: Blood

Reference: Less than 3.0%

Frequency: Daily