Radioactive isotopes must be distinguished from nonradioactive isotopes of the same element. The radioactive forms are usually referred to as radionuclides or radioisotopes. These terms are interchangeable and in this chapter, the latter term is used. Methods using radioisotopes have…
Acknowledgement The authors would like to acknowledge Kathryn Moss for her contribution to the HIV monitoring section. Principles of flow cytometric immunophenotyping The primary methods for immunophenotyping in the haematological setting are immunocytochemistry (described in previous editions of this book)…
Acknowledgement The major contribution of the late Dr David Swirsky to this chapter in previous editions of the book is gratefully acknowledged. Erythrocyte cytochemistry Siderocytes and sideroblasts Siderocytes are red cells containing granules of non-haem iron. They were originally described…
The haemoglobin molecule Human haemoglobin is formed from two pairs of globin chains each with a haem group attached. Seven different globin chains are synthesised in normal subjects; two, ε and ζ, are characteristic of the embryo and contribute to…
Assessing the likelihood of acquired haemolytic anaemia Haemolytic anaemia may be suspected from either clinical or laboratory abnormalities. Suggestive clinical features include anaemia, jaundice and splenomegaly. Other relevant clinical features that should be sought are a history of autoimmune disease,…
Chapter Outline Preparation of commonly used reagents 561 Water 561 Anticoagulants and preservative solutions 561 Buffers 562 Preparation of glassware 564 Cleaning slides 564 Cleaning glassware 564 Sizes of tubes 565 Speed of centrifugation 565 Statistical procedures 565 Calculations 566…
Introduction: types of laboratories In most countries, there are likely to be some laboratories with limited resources, but in under-resourced countries, the majority of laboratories face chronic shortages of trained staff, low morale, inadequate and poorly maintained equipment and erratic…
Quality assurance (QA) in the haematology laboratory is intended to ensure reliable diagnostic test results with the necessary degree of accuracy and precision. There are some key definitions in QA that are fundamental to an understanding of its practice (…
Acknowledgement The authors wish to acknowledge the major contribution of Dr Mitchell Lewis, the author or co-author of this chapter in previous editions. The services provided by laboratories are an essential and fundamental component of health systems across the globe.…
Common presentations of haematological diseases An abnormal blood count or blood cell morphology does not necessarily indicate a primary haematological problem because it may reflect an underlying nonhaematological condition or may be the result of therapeutic interventions. Anaemia occurs in…