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Bloody Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Bloody and links to relevant pages within the course.

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Laboratories Individuals

Authentic and Spurious Causes of Thrombocytopenia
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon, but very serious consumptive platelet disorder. Its cause is unknown, but there are several possible precipitating factors including infection, carcinoma, and pregnancy. More women than men are affected by TTP. If left untreated, the mortality rate is in excess of 90% due to multiorgan failure. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is also a platelet consumptive disorder. HUS is thought by some to be the same condition as TTP because both disorders have the same underlying pathology. However, HUS is more often associated with renal failure and TTP with neurological manifestations including visual impairment, weakness, headache, dizziness, disorientation. seizures, or coma. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and fever is associated with both TTP and HUS. The patient's condition can deteriorate rapidly while these symptoms are becoming evident. HUS is usually seen in children; it is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children. Patients may have bloody diarrhea and symptoms resembling colitis. Diarrhea-related HUS is usually associated with ingestion of undercooked beef contaminated with Ecoli O157:H7; it is the Shiga-like toxin from this serotype that causes the illness. Some patients may have long term kidney dysfunction as a result ofthis virulent infection. For patients who have experienced renal failure, dialysis may be required.

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Cerebrospinal Fluid
Which of the following characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid are considered abnormal?View Page
Which of the following conditions can cause a sample to be uninterpretable?View Page
Bloody Specimen

When blood is present in a CSF specimen, it is necessary to determine whether the blood is due to a traumatic puncture or to a pathologic condition. There are several clues to help make this distinction: Traumatic tap:More blood is present in tube 1 than in tubes 2, 3, or 4.When sample is centrifuged within one hour, supernatant is clear.Blood clots on standing.Subarachnoid or cerebral hemorrhage:Blood is evenly distributed in all tubes.When sample is centrifuged within one hour, supernatant is pink or yellow.Blood does not clot on standing.

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More on Undiluted Specimens

In an undiluted specimen, count and differentiate red cells and white cells at the same time. You can count red cells on a hand counter and use the differential counter for white cells. If you cannot differentiate white cells from red cells in the undiluted specimen, a plain capillary tube may be filled with crystal violet acetic acid diluent which is subsequently expelled from the tube. A very thin coating of the diluent will remain on the inside of the tube. CSF is drawn halfway up into the tube, which is then rocked back and forth to mix. The hemacytometer is then filled with the fluid containing stained white blood cells and lysed red cells. If cells are numerous and overlapping and it is necessary to focus through several planes in order to see all of the cells, a dilution must be made. When macroscopic appearance is turbid, milky or bloody, a significant dilution is usually necessary.

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In a moderately bloody specimen, 250 cells are counted in 10 squares. The dilution is 1:100. What is the count/microliter?View Page
True or false: if a CSF specimen is bloody due to a traumatic tap, it may be necessary to correct the CSF WBC count.View Page
Red Cells and Lymphocytes

Many red cells and a small, mature lymphocyte are present in this picture. This is typical of fields seen in samples resulting from a bloody tap.

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CLIA Microbiology / Serology Review
A 20 year-old female was admitted into the hospital complaining of 10 to 15 bloody mucous stools per day, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, and nausea. The preliminary O & P report went out as "Probable Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and cysts, confirmation pending." This patient is most likely suffering from:View Page

HIV Safety for Florida
Which of the following does not pose a significant risk for transmitting HIV?View Page

Parasitology Review
A 20 year-old female was admitted into the hospital complaining of 10 to 15 bloody mucous stools per day, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, and nausea. The preliminary O & P report went out as "Probable Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and cysts, confirmation pending." This patient is most likely suffering from:View Page
A 38 year-old male presented to the E.R. complaining of severe cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and general fatigue. Parasitic examination of his bloody sputum revealed this suspicious form. The patient is most likely suffering from:View Page
A 31 year old male missionary worker recently returned from Africa where he helped a small rural community update their sanitation practices. He presented to his physician weak and complained of recent weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that was often bloody. The doctor ordered a battery of tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and stool for parasite examination. The CBC revealed eosinophilia and anemia. This suspicious form was seen on the wet preparations. It measured 52 µm by 27 µm. What parasite is mostly likely present?View Page
A 16 year old male champion athlete went to his doctor complaining of a persistent cough, fever, bloody diarrhea and overall weakness. Upon questioning the patient, it was learned that he had recently competed in a freshwater swimming competition in the Caribbean. Examination revealed a dermatitis on the patient's right calf. A battery of tests were ordered including a CBC, chemistry profile, and a stool for culture and parasitic examination. The CBC revealed the presence of eosinophilia. The other hematology and chemistry tests were unremarkable. The culture was negative. This suspicious form was seen on all parasite preparations made from the stool sample submitted. This form measures 165 µm by 68 µm. This patient is most likely suffering from an infection with:View Page
A 31 year old female with a known history of amebiasis, presented to her physician complaining of bloody diarrhea and fever. Previous patient history revealed that she lives in substandard conditions. Parasitic examination of the woman's stool revealed this suspicious form that measures 20 µm. The identification of this form is:View Page
A 4 year old female from South Carolina was rushed to the emergency room who was suffering from malaise, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Examination revealed rectal prolapse. Stool was submitted for parasitic examination and this suspicious form was seen. It measures 45 µm by 20 µm. Which of the following is the correct identity of this suspicious form?View Page

Tuberculosis Awareness for Healthcare Workers
Symptoms

Symptoms of active TB include:coughing for more than 3 weeks,loss of appetite,unexplained weight loss,night sweats,bloody sputum,hoarseness,fever,fatigue,and chest pain.

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