Each blood collection situation is unique. A competent phlebotomist must not only possess the technical skills necessary to collect a quality specimen, but must also understand the numerous patient variables, complications, and procedural errors that can affect the integrity of the specimen or the health and safety of the patient to avoid or reduce any negative impact.
Factors Include:
Age
Some physiologic functions such as kidney function decrease with age in adults. For example, creatinine clearance, a kidney function test, is directly related to the age of the patient, which must be used in calculating test results.
Diet
Some laboratory tests are affected by ingestion of certain foods, which must be eliminated from the diet for several days before the test specimen is collected. For example, some methods that detect occult (hidden) blood in stool specimens also detect similar substances in meat and certain vegetables. Therefore a special diet that eliminates these foods must be followed for several days before the specimen is collected.
Fluid intake can also affect blood composition. Excessive fluid intake may cause decreased Hgb levels and alter electrolyte balance. Consumption of caffeine has been demonstrated to affect cortisol levels. Recent alcohol ingestion may also affect test values, especially glucose values.
Altitude
Decreased oxygen content of the air at higher altitudes causes the body to produce?more RBC?s to fulfill the body’s oxygen requirements; the higher the altitude, the I greater the increase. Thus RBC counts and related determinations such as hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) will have higher normal ranges at higher elevations.
Daily Variations
Many blood components exhibit daily fluctuations or fluctuations in the normal course of the day. Factors that play a role in the daily variations also activity, food, light and darkness, and as awake or asleep. White blood cell count, eosinophil count, and there is less iron in the morning than the afternoon. Cortisol, insulin, potassium, and testosterone levels are highest in the morning. Daily fluctuations can be very large. For example, cortisol levels and iron levels can differ by 50% or more of 4 to 8 PM Clock.
Dehydration
The total fluid persistent vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration caused by, for example (decrease) hemconcentration is easily reduced plasma volume as a result of the blood components, the conditions that will not leave the bloodstream intensive . RBC Hemconcentration false, enzymes, iron, calcium, and increases the number of blood components such as sodium. In addition, in many cases, to collect blood samples from patients with dehydration is difficult.
Fever
Fever affects the levels of a number of hormones. Hypoglycemia caused by fever increases insulin levels followed by a rise in glucagon levels. Fever also increases cortisol levels and may disrupt its normal diurnal variation.
Drug Therapy
Many drugs alter physiologic functions. In most instances, the effect is desired. In some individuals, however, there are unwanted physiologic effects called side effects or sensitivities. For’ example, thiazide diuretics often cause increased calcium levels and may cause low potassium levels. Chemotherapy drugs often cause a decrease in the cells of the blood, especially WBCs and platelets. Numerous drugs are toxic to the liver, causing an increase in liver enzymes such as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate transaminase), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase- (LDH/LD). Steroids and diuretics can cause pancre’atitis and an increase in serum amylase and lipase values.
Drugs can also influence the implementation of the tests in the laboratory, which increases or decreases the false test results. Many laboratory test procedures are based on fluorescent, chromogenic (color-producing), peroxide-generating reagent or binding reactions. A drug can use the testing kits for the competition to test substance, a false-negative or falsely low results caused, or the drug may enhance the reaction, leading to a false positive or false high result. An acronym for substances that interfere with the test used CRUD is responsible for
Drugs known to interfere with urine testing should be avoided for 48 to 72 hours before urine sample collection. It is up to the physician to recognize or eliminate drug interferences; however, it is helpful to the technician or technologist performing the test in the laboratory if the phlebotomist notes on the lab slip when he or she observes medication being administered just before blood collection.
Smoking
Nicotine affects a number of blood components. The extent of the effect depends upon the number of cigarettes smoked. Patients who smoke before specimen collection may have increased cortisol levels and white blood counts. Chronic smoking often leads to decreased pulmonary function and increased hemoglobin levels.
Exercise
The effect of exercise on blood composition depends upon the duration and intensity of the activity and the physical condition of the patient. However, even moderate muscular activity will elevate levels of a number of blood components, such as lactic acid, creatinine, protein, and certain enzymes. Levels of these substances return to normal soon after the activity is stopped, with the exception of enzymes such as creatine kinase and LDH, which may remain elevated 24 hours or more.
Gender
A patient’s gender or sex has a determining effect on the concentration of numerous blood components. Most differences are apparent only after sexual maturity. Differences are reflected in separate normal values for male and female patients. For example, RBC, Hgb, and Hct normal values are higher for males than females.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes physiologic changes in many body systems. Consequently, results of a number of laboratory tests must be compared to normal ranges established for pregnant populations. For example, body fluid increases, which are normal during pregnancy, have a diluting effect on the red blood cells, leading to lower red blood counts.
Stress
Emotional stress in the form of fear or anxiety has been shown that short-lived increases in leukocyte count, decreases in serum iron have, and an increase in adrenal hormone levels. For example, studies show babies cry a marked increase in WBC. Counts returned to normal within 1 hours after the stopped crying. For this reason, it is best to complete blood count (CBC) or WBC specimens obtained after the child was sleeping or resting quietly for at least 30 minutes. If a sample is collected as a child cries, it should be noted on the report.
The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) deals with the study of interactions between the?rain, the endocrine system, and the immune system. PNI studies have demonstrated that receptors on the cell membrane of WBC?s can sense stress in a person and react by stimulating an increase in cell numbers.
Position
A patient’s body position both before and during venipuncture influences blood composition. Going from a supine (lying down on the back) position to standing causes the water or plasma portion of the blood to filter into the tissues, resulting in a decrease in plasma volume and an increase in nonfilterable elements, or substances such as proteins, iron, calcium, and blood cells, that cannot easily pass through the walls of the blood vessels. For example, the RBC count on a patient who has been standing for approximately 15 minutes will be higher than the basal state RBC on the same patient.
Basel State
The ideal time to collect blood from a patient is when the patient is in a basal state. Basal state is the condition of the body when a patient has refrained from strenuous exercise and has not ingested food or beverage except water for 12 hours (fasting). Collecting a basal state specimen minimizes or eliminates the effects of diet, exercise, and other controllable factors on test results and also provides the ideal specimen for establishing reference ranges or normal values for laboratory tests on inpatients.
Archive for the ‘ Health ’ Category
Importaint Factors That Influence Results Of Blood Tests
Author: HealthApr 12
How to protect from swine flu in India
Author: HealthMar 24
Winter is here, and the tendency to contract infectious diseases is high during this time. It is possible that the spread of lethal viruses such as H1N1 may be high during this time. Swine flu is already a global threat. In India, since the first casualty on Aug 3, 2009, the number of people affected is 19,962, while the current death toll stands at 558. Doctors and medical experts have warned that the approaching winter could bring with it a second wave of swine flu that could indicate a rapid escalation in both transmission rates as well as severity of symptoms.
The best way to face this is to avoid panic and keep ready. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
How can I protect myself?
Initial development in India only by the indigenous vaccine against swine influenza in the year 2010 is out. As of now, the practice common-sense precautions are the most reliable way to ensure the protection of their extent.
Since then, that spreads through coughs and sneezes of infected swine flu, health is very important. At all times, follow these rules:
? Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing; dispose this properly.
? Regularly wash hands using water and soap or an alcohol bases sanitizer, especially when outside.
? Avoid eating or touching the nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands.
Stay away from persons with symptoms of respiratory illness. If you cannot do so, avoid or minimize contact with them, or with surfaces that they may have contaminated by their presence. Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect or discard clothes and other possessions that may have come into direct or indirect contact with such persons.
Will it help to wear a face mask or respirator?
The face masks and respirators are recommended for people dealing directly with infected or ill, for example, professional health care or nursing an infected person at home.
However, most experts do not recommend the use of these general statements. If you use one, one that fits comfortably on your face, wash hands thoroughly before its position on, and change regularly as required.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
Symptoms of swine is closely similar to those of flu and common flu. They include fever, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache and body aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also.
If you have these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor who will examine you and start treatment. While control avian fever is possible, your doctor may choose to start treatment even without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
How to lose weight quickly?
Author: HealthMar 21
Is there a wedding coming ahead? Are you planning to go on some kind of a party? Do you really want to lose 5 or 6 pounds of weight in just 10 days? Well then you have arrived at the right place. This article is all bout losing weight quickly using different kinds of methods. Obviously losing 5 pounds in 10 days is not at all an easy task but if you follow the methods given in this article then you are on your way to get slim and smart in no time.
As we know that natural methods which include exercise and diet control are really good methods but they require a little bit more time and you might not be able to achieve your weight loss target. For this, you have to look for other ways which include using weight loss drugs like Clenbuterol to lose weight. It is better not to try to lose too much weight in less time with these pills otherwise you might get some kind of a disease because obviously using pills is not at all a natural method.
If you are really slow with weight loss pills and you still lose Wight really fast, then you should move on natural methods. Not just stick to one course. Combine all of them, and you are on a path to success. When you begin to do daily exercise and also start skipping meals then it is much better than pills. The reason why everyone is these days prefer to weight loss pills, because they show you day after day, however, results in the case of natural methods that you have to wait at least a week before you see the results.
Now it all depends on you that which method you think is the best for you. It is better to go for clenbuterol method in such a short time because it is safer and if used correctly can really help you in losing weight easily. But if you have some time to lose weight then obviously natural method is the best. You can read more about the clenbuterol drug and how to use it over the Internet. The method of using clenbuterol is a little bit complicated and you have to understand it fully before you start taking it otherwise it can be dangerous for health. however, in the case of natural methods, there is no need to note down anything. You just do your best everyday because nothing is going to damage your health through a natural method. This is totally your choice, just choose one of the methods listed above and start right from this moment because you already have very less time and you have to complete a big task in this time.
How to Get Taller in the Shortest Period of Time!
Author: HealthMar 14
If you are looking for information on how to get taller, you have come to the right place. This article will touch on effective methods of adding height as well as other methods we think you should stay away from. First, let us start with the scams. Before going further, let me give you some background.
It is impossible to spur bone growth after growth plate fusion has occurred. This is usually shortly after the end of puberty. So any product that promises to restart bone growth or any other such nonsense is a scam. There are no pills, no potions or anything else that can make your bones elongate after they have stopped doing so.
The good news is that you can grow even larger. Not only that! You can actually do it, of course, by the following methods that are scientifically sound. Let me explain a bit further. We all have hidden duty that we never knew we were. Have you ever found that to be your mother or grandfather shorter as they age? Sure you have! This is actually a common fact. Spine compression and degeneration, together with a poor posture, they make
Well, gravity, poor posture, are present at a very early age and degeneration of cartilage compression. Here, you can actually learn how to become higher. Some methods, nutrition, exercise, and stretching combinations of the above conditions are the reverse and counter. These abnormalities are corrected, the results are added in.. These methods are, where you can actually 2-4 weeks to add a space between a few inches.
The exercises center for activities such as swimming, and land result in added value. Swimming has many advantages. Besides a great overall muscle and cardio workout can strengthen and stretch your spine all at the same time. There are parts that work to achieve the following 3 results:
* Strengthening the back muscles that provides good back support to keep your back straight and tall. This can help with postural problems like scoliosis and other conditions
* Stretches to decompress the spine.
* Stretching and exercises to rebuild and strengthen the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine.
Combined, these stretches and exercises can add up to 2 or 4 inches to your frame. These exercises are all natural and very safe. In addition to height gains, people that use these techniques enjoy a much healthier and stronger body. Being short is no fun. There is a lack of self-confidence that often manifests itself in relationships and in the workplace. It is a well known fact that the world favors taller individuals. It is easier for a taller person to climb the professional ladder than it is for shorter folks. There are countless examples of situations where this is the case.
Autism Treatment – A Biomedical Approach To Treating Autism
Author: HealthMar 12
I would like to discuss a little bit about my feelings about a biomedical intervention to Autism and why I think it is crucial to start a biomedical approach for your child. Through the videos on my website as well as my lectures across the country, I express the importance of biomedical intervention. At its heart, biomedical intervention means assessing the underlying medical conditions and that is the key to remember when implementing a biomedical treatment approach with things like diet, supplements, etc.
And diagnostics as well as urine tests, stool tests, blood tests, etc., can be used to assess imbalances. It could be a nutritional imbalance which vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids is linked. It could be a stomach problem, if the child is not properly digest their food and may suffer from chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation. Or the biochemical imbalance in nature. It is important that we all can agree to is to evaluate the child and to address these problems. But for me the label of autism may involve an exclusion of the right medical assessments, although the child may be suffering from an underlying medical problem.
My primary concern, as a biomedical specialist, is to find out what is going on with my patient’s health. That is why we do the testing that we do. Now I cannot state that any one specific set of core symptoms will be treated or completely eliminated by any one specific therapy. But, by using the diagnostic criteria available and by addressing the underlying medical issues, what can happen is a lessening in the symptoms of Autism and in some cases it can even go away. A biomedical treatment approach really is about focusing on optimizing a person’s health potential. And whether or not a person has a diagnosis of Autism should not impact whether they have access to the necessary testing and treatment for underlying medical issues. The goal is to ensure that your child is as healthy as possible. When you take a step back you realize that what we are focusing on is optimizing the individual’s potential. And that does require a unique and specialized physician’s approach to utilize the therapies and testing that is needed. But we address the issues using a nutritional, supplement and diagnostic testing standpoint.
How To Get Over Asshole Ex – It Hurts And Painful
Author: HealthMar 11
Experience feat reach a break up with a terrible. However, there are a few tips and ideas that can help you find it smoother and faster. For some more over a break up is always painless, but in time you can go leaner this time by a positive attitude to get up and down the centralization of you. Getting over a break up, is actually an ideal time to focus on your life and focus on improvement.
Click – ways to break through quickly.
Even thogh to cope with a depressing break up it may be luring to keep on get hold of the person who hurt you and ask why or endeavor to put the bits back together. This is the most evil thing you wish to do because it saves the person clear in your mind. You need a little distance to increase some perspective, psychoanalyze your feelings and think what was wrong from a neutral perspective. Under no considerations should you engage in sexual activity with your ex.
When you are looking to overcome the breaking up and learn to deal with as a basic strategy, your emotions. You may feel anger, sadness and guilt. If you need a good clamored to take some time to put on? t be afraid to do so. It can be healthy. Your friends and family there to assist you in order to use them. Language to express their pain to you and listen to their recommendations. Sometimes, the most unexpected people can provide a reconsideration of the things that make you feel better. If nothing else goes on, you can absorb their company, so that you do not constantly thinking about your ex -
Check your life. When a split to be, this is a perfect time to care for your desire and hope. Who is worried about your ex think so? You want to shave your head, get new clothes, on a class, or in your life a number of changes? This is a perfect time to do these things. Doting own a little while. You may not have to buy new clothes, a month ago, but now has his own treatment. You will see more. Don? T too far, however, or your money problems may be to replace the relationship between you feel sad! In order to cope with a chaotic separation uncomfortable, but there are some suggestions and ideas, more than its breakthrough is possible.
How To Find The Best Skincare Products Without Breaking The Bank
Author: HealthMar 9
Many women are trying to find the same time, the best skin care products in the budget. You know this is not a lost cause? The most effective skin care products are often cheaper, there are several reasons for an important reason for this is the case.
The best care products are those containing proven track record of health and beauty in the active ingredients of high level. In a lot of high-priced brand, in fact very low, the active ingredient may also be asked to provide the latest skin care technology. There is nothing wrong, is the cutting edge. But you may want to choose right, as time goes on, proved to be effective and safe use of raw materials based on the most effective skin care ingredients.
There are many products that were safe and effective, but can lead to unforeseen health issues on the street. Sodium laureth sulphate is a good example, like parabens and phthalates. All these three components have been touted as the most effective skin-care additives to achieve specific results and effects. Then, on the street, health problems, which were some of these ingredients have been linked discovered.
They produce a result if a particular skin care is a reasonable price from the true skin care products trying to build some of the best technology. Instead of using flashy advertising money, and complex packaging, building methods and ingredients, proven skin care products work most effectively, I try to find the next big discovery. This preparation or material or products of these new combinations may refine them in different ways is more effective than ever.
Remember that the best skin care products are those that are good or irritate your skin type and not ignite it. Customized skin care is something that showed only trial and error will help you, and you should not feel odd about using less expensive skin care products when you the results you are looking for can give. Finally, a secret weapon in the arsenal skin care can be a wonderful thing.
, Or discoloration, click here to reduce the signs of aging, wrinkled skin problems, to find effective skin care products. Now visit the secret of beautiful skin will receive a free special report.
HOW TO EARN CASH ONLINE – THE BASICS
Author: HealthMar 7
People have always liked the idea of staying home and earning an income, and never more so than in our present economic climate. There are many reasons of course – you could be wanting to spend more time with your family, maybe you’re in financial debt and looking for ways to earn extra cash, or you just feel there’s more to life than the daily grind and like the idea of trying to create an income online.
It started from, Google, out of many of the sites that are hundreds of checks, all to create an income, in relation to work find at home, and Internet companies, what where?
First of all, you should ask yourself some questions:
Why do you want to create an online income?
o You are a house mum or dad who prefers to stay home with kids
o Perhaps you are coming up to Retirement age, with little or no savings or superannuation, and want more out of life than the pension will allow
o You’ve tried, but haven’t been able to get a job – perhaps you’re too young, too old, not enough experience, too much experience
o Health reasons
o You’d just like some extra income to pay off your mortgage or get an investment property
How are you actually going to make some money?
What are you good? Do you have a trade, a hobby, something you are passionate about? This information is searched for ever, and people are willing to pay for quality info.
How much time are you prepared to put into your business?
It is important to decide how many hours per day or week you can allocate as ‘work’ hours, and this will depend on whether you are working full-time or not. But you and your family both need to know that (for example) weekdays you will be working Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 hours in the evenings, while Saturdays will be an 8-hour workday. It is really important to make a plan that you can stick to – “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is a very true saying.
Budget
There are many places where you can advertise free of charge, and get good results. However, to speed things up a bit, and depending on your budget, it is also a good idea to take a look at some of the paid advertising you can do, such as banner ads and Google Adwords. Classified ads can be free or paid, as can press releases. There are also many other options you can consider as you become more familiar with the actual marketing of your business, such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
How do you know if there is a market for what you want to sell?
A very basic test is to switch to one of the keyword tools, like a free Adwords by typing the type of business or information that you think about marketing, where search results are displayed will give you the number of times the word or phrase has been looking for the last month.
So you've done all the tests, decided that this is for you and want to have a shot at making money from home. Where to start? Depending on your computer and knowledge of marketing, are three available options:
1. Become an Affiliate Marketer, and either build your own website, or pay someone else to build it for you.
2. Sell your own product or information, and either build your own website or pay someone else to build it for you.
3. Pick one of the many ‘Business Opportunities’ or ‘Work from Home’ jobs advertised on the internet. There are some excellent companies around, with lots of money being made. However, you must carry out careful due diligence, which means you thoroughly investigate the business you are interested in, as there are also lots of scams out there. Some of the things you need to check out are:
o Initial cost
o Do they have online training, and how extensive is it
o What commission do they pay, and is there an opportunity for residual earnings in the future
o Do they have an online forum
o What sort of support do they offer
I hope this has been helpful, and can get you started to a prosperous and enjoyable new career.
SUMMARY
People always like to stay at home and earning an income ideas, never more than in our country's current economic environment, but can be a bit difficult to know where to begin, what to look for. This article is who is to help those just starting their journey out, describes the basic knowledge you should do.