Hematology Lecture: INTRODUCTION

HISTORY
400 BC
Hippocratic writings: body is
composed of 4 humors:
Black bile
Blood
Phlegm
Yellow bile
th
20 century
Fahreus
Theory is based on
observation of 4 distinct layer
in clotted blood

1. Black bile dark red, almost

black,
jelly-like clot
2. Blood thin layer of
oxygenated
RBCs
3. Phlegm layer of WBCs and
platelets
4. Yellow bile layer of
yellowish
Serum
th
17 century
Blood examined by gross
appearance
Less understanding about its
composition or function
Leeuwenhoek: studies blood
with aid of primitive
microscopes
Cellular composition
Kircher (1657) describe worms
in blood
Vierordt (1852) quantitative
result of
1st blood
analysis
Wright (1902) development of
Wright

stain:
preferred stain in
hematology
Bizzozero (1980s) describe
platelets as
petite
plaques

1920s
Improved methods of
blood examination
Study diseases related to
alterations in blood cell
number or appearance
Branch of medicine &
pathology
1930s
Increased knowledge of
blood physiology & bloodforming organs

HEMATOLOGY LABORATORY
Hemostatic mechanism

Automation
Cellular resistance to electric
current
Flow cytometry
Increased objectivity
Decrease labor-intensive
analysis
Less time-consuming
Improved precision &
accuracy in coagulation
testing
Wrights stain
Remains the heart of blood cell
identification
HEM

ATOLOGY LAB|DBRKDS

Hematology Lecture: INTRODUCTION

Cell appearance (morphology)

Cell color
Size
Shape
Cytoplasmic inclusions
Nuclear condensation

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ATOLOGY LAB|DBRKDS

Hematology Lecture: INTRODUCTION

Blood
(Uncoagulated)
1. Liquid portion plasma 55%
2. Cellular elements
o Leukocytes &platelets 1%
o Erythrocytes
45%
5-6 liters
7% - 8% of total body weight
Plasma
90% water
10% proteins, carbohydrates,
hormones, enzymes, lipids &
salts
Derived from the intestines
(water & food) & organs of the
body (hormones & enzymes)
Formed elements: bone marrow
Transport medium
Physical Characteristics of Blood
1. Fluid state in vivo
2. Red in color
3. Slightly alkaline; pH 7.4
4. Specific gravity of 1.045
1.065
5. Thick & viscous

6. Makes up 7% - 8% of total
body weight
7. Contains approximately 20g
solid per 100 mL blood
Functions of Blood
1. Carries O2 from the lungs to
the tissues & CO2 from the
body tissues to the lungs
2. Conveys raw materials of the
protoplasm to countless
millions of cells as factories to
manufacture life itself
3. Carries waste products to the
organs of elimination:
(kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen)
4. Transfers hormones from their
organs of production to the
organs of consumption
5. Aids in regulating water
content, temperature &
alkalinity of tissues
6. Helps in protecting the body
to battle infection & disease
7. Furnishes coagulation factors
to mend abrasion, laceration,
& incision

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ATOLOGY LAB|DBRKDS