What are reticulocytes? Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (so-called erythrocytes). They no longer have a cell nucleus, but they are still able to carry out metabolic processes, as some cell organelles are still functional. One of these cell organelles is the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the genetic information (RNA) is stored in the reticulocytes. … The Reticulocytes
In which diseases are reticulocytes elevated? The classic disease associated with an increased reticulocyte count is anemia. Anemia describes an anaemia. It is characterized by a decreased red blood cell count, i.e. a reduced number of red blood cells, or by a decreased concentration of red blood pigment (so-called hemoglobin). The body tries to compensate … In which diseases are reticulocytes elevated? | The Reticulocytes
What is a reticulocyte crisis? A reticulocyte crisis describes a strong increase of reticulocytes in the blood. This is due to increased blood formation. The crisis can occur after a heavy bleeding, as the body tries to replace the lost blood cells. In addition, it can occur during a substitution therapy with iron, folic acid … What is a reticulocyte crisis? | The Reticulocytes
What is a lymphocyte transformation test? The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) is a special laboratory procedure. It detects antigen-specific T lymphocytes. The T-lymphocytes are white blood cells that the body needs for immune defence, i.e. to defend itself against foreign material, such as bacteria. Antigen-specific means that these T-lymphocytes can recognize a certain foreign protein, … Lymphocyte transformation test
Detection of allergies The main indication for a lymphocyte transformation test is the detection of allergies. Before the test is carried out, it must be determined for which allergies the patient wishes to be tested. Only allergies of the delayed type (type 4) are tested. Lymphocytes play an important role in this type of allergy. … Detection of allergies | Lymphocyte transformation test
Evaluation of a lymphocyte transformation test The evaluation is based on cell division. High cell division is more likely to indicate an allergic reaction. However, there are reference values for each case and controls are performed. For the evaluation or the correct interpretation of the test result, further clinical findings and allergy tests must be … Evaluation of a lymphocyte transformation test | Lymphocyte transformation test
Duration of a lymphocyte transformation test Blood collection is usually completed by trained personnel within a few minutes. In case of bad vein conditions it may take a little longer. The sample must be sent to the laboratory on the same day. There the lymphocyte transformation test begins. For this the laboratories need about five … Duration of a lymphocyte transformation test | Lymphocyte transformation test
What is a Coombs test? The Coombs test is used to detect antibodies against red blood cells (erythrocytes). A so-called Coombs serum is used for the determination of the antibodies. It is obtained from the serum of rabbits and is sensitised to human antibodies. The test is used in suspected cases of haemolytic anaemia, Rhesus … The Coombs Test
The procedure If a direct Coombs test is performed, the red blood cells are filtered out of the patient’s blood. It is to be tested whether there are antibodies of the IgG type on them, which cause haemolytic anaemia or blood group incompatibility in the body. The Coombs serum contains antibodies against human IgG antibodies. … The procedure | The Coombs Test
Structure Hemoglobin is a protein in the human body that has important functions for the transport of oxygen in the blood. Proteins in the human body are always made up of multiple amino acids linked together. The amino acids are partly taken up by the body with food, partly the body can also convert other … Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin too low Since every red blood cell has the hemoglobin molecule, the hemoglobin value is a meaningful marker for the amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream. During a blood test, the Hb value can be determined in medical laboratories and the quantity of red blood cells can be estimated on the basis … Hemoglobin too low | Hemoglobin
Haemoglobinopathy Hemoglobinopathy is the umbrella term for diseases that cause changes in hemoglobin. These are genetically predisposed. The best known are sickle cell anemia and thalassemia (divided into alpha and beta thalassemia). These diseases are either caused by a mutation, i.e. a change in the proteins (sickle cell anaemia) or by a reduced production of … Haemoglobinopathy | Hemoglobin