The Difference Between The Hemoglobin And Hematocrit
Question
What’s the difference between the hemoglobin and hematocrit? What are the differences between types of common behavioral health professionals?
Expert Answer
This solution was written by a subject matter expert. It’s designed to help students like you learn core concepts. The Difference Between The Hemoglobin And Hematocrit
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In the lungs, hemoglobin binds tightly to oxygen and releases carbon dioxide due to the slightly cooler body temperature and slightly less acidic pH. Additionally, there is a high oxygen concentration in the lungs and a low carbon dioxide concentration, which causes oxygen to move toward hemoglobin, increasing the amount of oxygen that is bound to hemoglobin. In the cells of the body’s organs and tissues, the pH is slightly acidic, and the temperature is slightly warmer. The cellular environment causes hemoglobin to change its shape in a way that makes it more likely to bind to carbon dioxide (which is a waste product of active cells) and to release oxygen (which the cells need).
The proportion of each of these components should be within a certain range. Abnormalities in the concentration of any of these important materials can indicate health problems.
- Explanation for step 1
Hemoglobin Hemoglobin determinations will usually be performed by an automated cell counter from a tube of well-mixed EDTA-anticoagulated blood filled to a predetermined level. In this assay, all forms of hemoglobins are converted to the colored protein cyanomethemoglobin and measured by a colorimeter. An inadequate sample, whether due to insufficient volume or inadequate anticoagulation, may give false readings. If it is necessary to determine the level of anemia quickly, the hematocrit is an easier, more convenient test. The Difference Between The Hemoglobin And Hematocrit
If the hematocrit must be determined quickly, as is often the case when a patient hemorrhages, it may be necessary to measure the hematocrit directly without the use of an automated counter. The materials needed are: Lancets Alcohol prep pads Gauze pads Microhematocrit tubes (heparinized) Sealant (“Seal-Ease,” “Crit-Seal,” etc) Microhematocrit centrifuge Microhematocrit reader If venipuncture is required: tourniquet, syringe, tube containing anticoagulant (EDTA, citrate) For hematocrits obtained by fingerstick, wipe the fingertip pad of the fourth finger of the nondominant hand with the alcohol prep pad. Make certain the area is allowed to dry. Prick the fingertip with the lancet. Place the hematocrit tube near the incision site and allow the blood to flow via capillary action into the hematocrit tube until it is two-thirds to three-fourths full or to a predesignated mark on the tube. Avoid “milking” the finger if possible; this causes the expression of tissue fluids and may result in a falsely low hematocrit. Always fill at least three tubes.
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For hematocrits obtained by venipuncture, draw a sample of blood into the tube containing anticoagulant and mix well. Dip the hematocrit tube into the blood and allow the blood to rise to the desired two-thirds to three-quarters level. Because blood cells naturally sediment, a prior thorough mixing of the blood in the tube is necessary to ensure accurate reading.
Final answer
Hemoglobin and hematocrit are both part of a complete blood count (CBC). These values help your medical team evaluate your red blood cell number and function. They can be too high or too low due to many different conditions, including bleeding, iron deficiency, polycythemia vera, and more The Difference Between The Hemoglobin And Hematocrit