Oncohema Key

Figure 1.1: Composition of whole blood, serum and plasma The main disadvantage of using serum is that the blood has already clotted. In other words, a series of metabolic processes…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acid base Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is a narrowing of the airways, leading to poor lung function and severe airflow obstruction (low FEV1). The…

The red blood cell indices These will usually be haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and RBC. Hb is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and it can be used…

deficiencies in iron, B12 and glucose); metabolic production ( production of cholesterol, CRP, fibrinogen (PT, INR, aPTT) and albumin); and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous toxins. Liver function tests (LFTs)…

urea and electrolytes or U&Es), a patient with dysfunctional renal output (as shown by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60) may be less able to…

Figure 2.1: Liver function In Figure 2.1 (above), we could review LFT jaundice as follows: Table 2.1: Sample LFT jaundice results Part 3 – Production In this example we will…

Figure 8.1: A normal response to a viral infection In Figure 8.1, the virus uses the internal machinery of the cell to replicate itself. It then bursts the cell and…

potassium to acid base.) Potassium levels are tightly controlled by the kidneys. Hypokalaemia (K <3.5mmol/L) Patient 1 has been affected by inappropriate use or dosage of diuretics, although most are…

Figure 10.1: Flow diagram of insulin-mediated storage of glucose as glycogen Glucose causes insulin to be released from beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin converts glucose to glycogen (in a…

Figure 13.1: Thyroid hormones Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is raised T4, leading to increased metabolic rate (often with a goitre), agitation and weight loss. Most cases are primary Grave’s autoimmune, although a…