Physio-Ex Blood Analysis Computer Simulation - 2907 Words

Physio-EX Blood Analysis: Computer Simulation Introduction In this lab five blood tests will be performed: hematocrit determination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin determination, blood typing, and total cholesterol determination. A â€Å"hematocrit refers to the percentage of red blood cells (RBC’s) in a sample of whole blood. Since the function of red blood cells is the transport of oxygen to the cells of the body, the higher the hematocrit, the more red blood cells are available to carry oxygen.† In a normal, healthy male the value for males is 47% and in a normal, healthy female it is 42%. A person with a lower than normal hematocrit would indicate they are anemic, and a higher than normal hematocrit would indicate†¦show more content†¦Every person has a blood type and it is important to know a persons blood type before performing a blood transfusion in order to avoid mixing blood that is incompatible. Red blood cells, like all cells in the body, are surrounded by a plasma membrane. â€Å"The plasma mem brane contains genetically determined glycoproteins, called antigens, that identify the cells. On red blood cell membranes, these antigens are called agglutinogens.† There are many different antigens that are present on red blood cell membranes, but the ABO and Rh antigens cause the most vigorous and potentially fatal transfusion reactions. â€Å"The ABO blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of two antigens: type A and type B. These antigens are genetically determined so a person has two copies (alleles) of the gene for these proteins. The presence of these antigens is due to a dominate gene, and their absence is due to a recessive gene. The Rh factor is another genetically determined protein that may be present on red blood cell membranes. Antibodies to the Rh factor are not found preformed in the plasma. These antibodies are produced only after exposure to the Rh factor by persons who are Rh negative.† Type A blood will have A antigens on red blood ce lls and anti-B antibodies present in the plasma. Type B blood