Hematology notes

What is Medical Lab Technology, Difference between Treatment, Prognosis and Diagnosis, Role of Doctor or Physician and Medical Lab Technologist, Vital Signs, Significance of Vital Signs Assessment, Difference Between Signs and Symptoms in Patient Assessment, Example Case Study on Signs and Symptoms, Definition of Disease, Definition of Illness, Definition of Infection, Factors Contributing to Disease, Introduction to Factors Contributing to Disease, Types of Samples that Can be Collected from Patients for Clinical Diagnosis, Additional Types of Samples for Clinical Diagnosis.

1. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

Program Name: B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology
Notes of Haematology
Course Name: Haematology Course code: 22MLH-201
Date: 02-08-2023 Time: 10:20 AM to 11:10AM Course Type
Course Coordinator: Attuluri Vamsi Kumar – B.Sc. MLT, M.Sc. MLT, PhD (Perusing)
Designation: Assistant Professor
Department: Department of Medical Lab Technology (MLT)
Program Core
PRE-REQUISITE General Physiology - I Sem: 3 Lecture No: 2
Topics Discussed What is Medical Lab Technology, Difference between Treatment, Prognosis and
Diagnosis, Role of Doctor or Physician and Medical Lab Technologist, Vital Signs,
Significance of Vital Signs Assessment, Difference Between Signs and Symptoms in
Patient Assessment, Example Case Study on Signs and Symptoms, Definition of
Disease, Definition of Illness, Definition of Infection, Factors Contributing to Disease,
Introduction to Factors Contributing to Disease, Types of Samples that Can be
Collected from Patients for Clinical Diagnosis, Additional Types of Samples for
Clinical Diagnosis.
About Vamsi: I am academician in Medical Laboratory Sciences with a strong desire to improve Outcome based education
(OBE) structured MLT education. I am constantly focusing on building an academic atmosphere that is set high standards
with strong multi blended teaching pedagogy models.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vamsiMLT
SlideShare: https://www.slideshare.net/VamsiIntellectual
Website: www.mltmaster.com / https://sites.google.com/view/vamsi-intellectual-protfolio/home
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vamsi-kumar-attuluri-ab8987128/?originalSubdomain=in
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Attuluri-Kumar
Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9278-6714
Contact No: [phone]
Mail ID: [email protected]
NOTES
1. What is Medical Lab Technology? Medical Lab Technology refers to the scientific
procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, performed by trained professionals
known as medical lab technologists. They work with laboratory equipment and use various
techniques to analyze body fluids and tissues, conduct tests, and report findings to physicians.
Their work forms the backbone of health diagnostics, aiding physicians in making accurate
diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
2. Difference between Treatment, Prognosis, and Diagnosis
• Diagnosis: This is the identification of a disease or condition. It involves analyzing a
patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and results from
various diagnostic tests.
• Prognosis: Once a diagnosis is made, the prognosis is the expected outcome or course
of the disease. It may include predictions about the disease's progression, the patient's
life expectancy, and the chances for recovery or recurrence.
• Treatment: This refers to the methods used to cure or manage a disease. It can include
a variety of strategies, such as medications, surgical interventions, lifestyle
modifications, and therapeutic procedures.
3. Role of a Doctor or Physician
A doctor or physician diagnoses diseases and prescribes treatment based on their medical
expertise. They interpret results from laboratory tests, make decisions regarding the appropriate
care for patients, and provide advice on disease prevention and health maintenance. They also

2. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

have the responsibility to communicate effectively with patients, explaining their health
conditions and treatment options.
4. Role of a Medical Lab Technologist
Medical Lab Technologists carry out laboratory tests and procedures, which are critical for the
diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They work with various types of lab equipment, perform
tests on samples like blood and tissue, and provide the resulting data to the physicians. Their
role is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these tests, which directly impact the
diagnosis and treatment decisions made by physicians.
Remember, both doctors and medical lab technologists have important roles in patient care and they
work together, often behind the scenes, to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
5. Vital Signs
Vital signs are measurements of the body's most basic functions. They are typically the first
thing checked when a patient's health is assessed. The primary vital signs used in clinical
settings are:
• Body temperature: Normal body temperature can vary depending on the person, the
time of day, and the weather, but it's usually around 98.6°F (37°C).
• Pulse rate: This is the number of times a person's heart beats per minute. Normal
resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Respiration rate: This is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. The normal
respiration rate for an adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
• Blood pressure: This is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
6. Significance of Vital Signs Assessment
Monitoring vital signs is crucial in patient assessment because they can provide essential
information about the body's basic functions and indicate the presence of potential health issues.
Changes or abnormal readings in vital signs can signal medical conditions like heart disease,
lung disease, high or low blood pressure, fever, and many others. They can also provide
information about a patient's response to treatment. Regular vital signs assessments are thus a
crucial component of healthcare and disease management.
7. Difference between Signs and Symptoms with Examples
• Signs: These are objective, observable indications of a disease or condition that can be
seen, heard, measured, or felt by the healthcare provider. For example, a fever (as
indicated by a high body temperature), rapid heart rate, abnormal respiration rate, and
high blood pressure are all signs that a healthcare provider can objectively measure.
• Symptoms: These are subjective indications of a disease or condition that are
experienced and reported by the patient. They cannot be directly observed or measured
by the healthcare provider. For example, symptoms can include pain, fatigue, nausea,
headache, and dizziness.
So, in a practical example, if a patient reports feeling fatigued and having a headache (symptoms), a
healthcare provider might then measure the patient's vital signs and find a high body temperature and
rapid heart rate (signs), which could indicate a condition such as a systemic infection. The combination
of symptoms and signs assists the healthcare provider in making a diagnosis.

3. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

Case Study:
Patient X, a 45-year-old man, presents to the emergency department reporting severe chest pain that
started about an hour ago. The pain is described as a heavy pressure sensation and is also accompanied
by shortness of breath. These are symptoms, as they are subjective experiences reported by the patient.
On examination, the medical team notes that the patient is sweating profusely and appears visibly
anxious. His skin is cool and pale. These are signs, as they are observable by others.
His vital signs are recorded: heart rate is 110 beats per minute (normal: 60-100), blood pressure is
150/95 mmHg (normal: around 120/80 mmHg), respiratory rate is 22 breaths per minute (normal: 12-
20), and body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), which is normal. The elevated heart rate, increased blood
pressure, and elevated respiratory rate are all signs of potential distress.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) shows ST-segment elevations, which is a sign of possible heart muscle
damage due to insufficient blood supply.
Explanation:
In this case, the patient's symptoms (chest pain and shortness of breath) led him to seek medical help.
The medical team then observed several signs (profuse sweating, cool and pale skin, elevated heart rate,
high blood pressure, and ST-segment elevations on the ECG).
The combination of these symptoms and signs suggest that the patient may be experiencing a
myocardial infarction (heart attack). This information helps guide the medical team to make a diagnosis
and initiate appropriate treatment, which in this case would likely involve immediate interventions to
restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
8. Disease: A disease is a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, that
affects part or all of an organism. Diseases can be caused by various factors, including genetic
mutation, injury, exposure to toxins, or pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Diseases typically have
defined signs and symptoms, and they may be acute (short-term), chronic (long-term), or even
lifelong.
9. Illness: Illness often refers to a person's perception of their health and how they're feeling, and it
might not always line up with the medical definition of a disease. For example, a person might feel
ill (tired, weak, nauseous), but medical tests might not reveal a specific disease. Conversely, a
person could have a chronic disease like hypertension without feeling ill. It's also worth noting that
"illness" often refers to the social and psychological effects of disease; how it affects a person's
ability to go about their daily life.
10. Infection: An infection occurs when another organism (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites)
enters the body and causes disease. These pathogens can invade and multiply within the host's body
tissues, often causing an immune response that can lead to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or
specific symptoms depending on the area of the body affected. Not all infections result in diseases,
as the body's immune system can often eliminate the invading organism before it causes significant
damage.
11. Factors contributing to disease
Disease development in a patient is often the result of a complex interplay between multiple
factors, and understanding these is essential for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These
factors can be broadly categorized into intrinsic factors, such as genetics and age, and extrinsic
factors, which include lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and social determinants of
health.

4. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

Intrinsic Factors:

Genetics: Each individual inherits a unique set of genes from their parents, some of which may
predispose them to certain diseases. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Age: The risk of many diseases increases with age, simply due to the increased wear and tear on
the body and the gradual decline in the efficiency of the body's repair systems.
Extrinsic Factors:
Lifestyle Choices: Behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical
inactivity, and unhealthy dietary habits can significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases like
heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Infections: Exposure to various pathogens can lead to infectious diseases. In some cases, these
can be prevented through strategies like vaccination or good hygiene practices.
Environmental Exposures: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, radiation, or other harmful
substances in the environment can contribute to the development of diseases, including various
types of cancers and respiratory diseases.
Social Determinants of Health: Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, employment,
social support, and access to healthcare can significantly influence health outcomes.
1. Lifestyle Factors: These can significantly influence the risk of developing various diseases.
For example, physical inactivity, poor diet, and unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive
alcohol consumption can lead to chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and
various cancers.
2. Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi can lead to a wide range
of diseases. From common colds to more serious conditions such as HIV/AIDS, pneumonia,
and tuberculosis, these diseases can have significant impacts on health, particularly if left
untreated.
3. Addictions: Substance abuse and addiction, whether it's to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, can lead
to a host of health problems. These include liver disease, lung disease, cardiovascular problems,
and mental health disorders, among others.
4. Genetics: Certain diseases are influenced by our genetic makeup. Genes inherited from our
parents can make us more susceptible to conditions like cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and
Huntington's disease. Additionally, genetics can play a role in diseases like cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes, where specific gene variants can increase disease risk.
5. Environmental Factors: Exposure to various environmental factors, such as pollutants,
chemicals, radiation, and certain types of allergens, can contribute to diseases such as asthma,
allergies, lung diseases, and various types of cancers.
6. Psychological Factors: Mental health plays a significant role in overall health. Chronic stress,
depression, and anxiety can weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure, and
contribute to conditions like heart disease and other physical problems. These mental health
conditions are themselves recognized as significant health disorders.
7. Social Factors: The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age are known
as their social determinants of health. These can include factors like socioeconomic status,

5. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks.
These factors have been shown to significantly influence health outcomes and risks for various
diseases.
8. Food: What we eat plays a critical role in our health. Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats,
sodium, and sugar can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2
diabetes, and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can promote good health and reduce disease risk.
9. Foreign Particles: Exposure to foreign particles, such as dust, asbestos, and certain chemicals,
can lead to diseases. For example, inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases,
including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
10. Carcinogens: Carcinogens are substances that are known to cause cancer. They can lead to
changes in cellular metabolism or DNA, leading to abnormal cell growth and cancer. Examples
of carcinogens include tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, asbestos, and certain chemicals
and dyes.
Understanding these factors is crucial as it provides opportunities for prevention and early intervention
to mitigate the risk of diseases. Many of these factors can be influenced by changes in individual
behavior or policy interventions, making them key areas of focus for public health.
It's important to remember that these factors often interact in complex ways to influence disease risk.
For example, a person with a genetic predisposition to a certain disease may never actually develop that
disease unless they are also exposed to certain environmental or lifestyle triggers. Understanding these
factors and how they interact is a key aspect of modern medicine and public health, and forms the basis
for many disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
Samples for diagnosis
a wide variety of samples can be collected from patients for clinical diagnosis, each providing different
types of information about the patient's health status. Here's a summary of the main types:
1. Blood: This is one of the most common types of samples collected. Blood tests can provide a
wealth of information about the body's functioning, including levels of various chemicals,
blood cells, and markers of inflammation. They can be used to check for conditions like anemia,
infections, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other disorders.
2. Urine: Urine tests are often used to detect and assess a variety of diseases and conditions, such
as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease. They can also be used to
monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments.
3. Stool: Stool samples can be used to detect a range of digestive tract diseases, including parasitic
infections, bacterial infections, and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. They can
also be used in screening for colorectal cancer.
4. Saliva: Saliva testing is used for a variety of purposes. It can detect hormone levels, genetic
material, antibodies, and substances such as alcohol and drugs. It is often used in research and,
increasingly, in clinical diagnosis.
5. Sputum: Sputum, the substance that comes up from the respiratory tract during coughing, can
be used to detect and diagnose lower respiratory tract infections, including tuberculosis and
pneumonia, as well as lung cancer.

6. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com

6. Tissue Biopsies: These involve taking a small sample of tissue from the body to examine under
a microscope. They can be used to diagnose many conditions, especially cancers, and to test
for certain infections and other diseases.
7. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): CSF is the fluid found in your brain and spine. A sample,
collected through a lumbar puncture, can be used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis,
multiple sclerosis, and cancers of the brain or spine.
8. Genetic Material: DNA samples can be collected from blood, saliva, or other tissues to test
for genetic diseases or susceptibilities, or to determine biological relationships in genetic
testing.
9. Sweat: Sweat testing is most often used to diagnose cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that
affects the lungs and digestive system.
10. Semen: Semen samples can be analyzed in the laboratory to evaluate male fertility. They are
typically used to measure the amount of semen produced, the number of sperm present, their
shapes (morphology), and their ability to move (motility).
11. Pericardial Fluid: This is the fluid found in the pericardial sac around the heart. Abnormalities
in pericardial fluid can help diagnose conditions such as pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, and
malignancy.
12. Synovial Fluid: This fluid is found in the cavities of synovial joints (like the knee). Analysis
of synovial fluid can help diagnose gout, arthritis, and infections within the joint.
13. Peritoneal Fluid: Also known as ascitic fluid, this is the fluid in the abdominal cavity. Changes
in the amount of this fluid or its composition can be indicative of conditions such as liver disease
(especially cirrhosis), certain cancers, and heart failure.
14. Amniotic Fluid: This is the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy. An amniocentesis is
a procedure where a small amount of this fluid is sampled and tested to diagnose chromosomal
abnormalities and fetal infections, among other conditions.
15. Aqueous Humor: This is the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea.
It is rarely collected, but when it is, it can help diagnose glaucoma, intraocular infections, and
other eye conditions.
16. Pleural Fluid: This is the fluid found between the layers of the pleura, the membranes
surrounding the lungs. If an excess of this fluid is produced (a condition known as pleural
effusion), it can be collected and analyzed to help diagnose conditions such as pneumonia,
tuberculosis, lung cancer, and heart failure.
17. Nasal and Throat Swabs: Swabs from the nose or throat are commonly used to test for
respiratory infections, such as influenza, COVID-19, or strep throat.
18. Mucus Secretions: Mucus can be collected from various parts of the body (such as the lungs,
nose, or throat) to test for infections, allergies, and other conditions. For example, a sputum
sample (mucus from the lungs) can be tested for tuberculosis or other lung diseases.
19. Wound Swabs: If a patient has a wound that is not healing as expected, a swab may be taken
to test for bacterial or fungal infections.

7. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com