Hematology Department Lab SOPs

Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test used to evaluate the clotting ability of blood and monitor anticoagulant therapy. PT measures the time taken for plasma to clot after the addition of specific reagents. The manual method using a water bath is a commonly used method for performing the PT test. Requirements: Blood collection tubes (preferably with sodium citrate anticoagulant) Reagents for PT assay (e.g., thromboplastin, calcium chloride) Coagulation analyzer or a stopwatch and a coagulation tube Water bath Centrifuge (if necessary) Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, etc.) Proper disposal system for biohazardous materials Principle: Prothrombin time measures the time it takes for plasma to form a clot in response to the addition of tissue factor (thromboplastin) and calcium chloride. Thromboplastin activates the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, leading to the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which subsequently converts fibrinogen to fibrin, resul...

Hemoglobin estimation by the Hemiglobincyanide (HiCN) technique is a commonly used laboratory test to measure the concentration of hemoglobin in a patient's blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This test is crucial in the diagnosis and monitoring of anemia, as well as assessing overall blood health. Requirements: Blood collection tubes HiCN reagent (Drabkin's reagent) Test tubes Spectrophotometer Pipettes Pipette tips Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, etc.) Proper disposal system for biohazardous materials Principle: The HiCN technique involves the reaction of hemoglobin with HiCN reagent, which converts hemoglobin into cyanmethemoglobin, a stable colored compound. The intensity of the color formed is proportional to the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood sample. The color is measured spectrophotometrically, and the hemoglobin concentration is determined based on the absorbance reading. Procedure: ...

Blood grouping by the slide method is a laboratory test used to determine an individual's blood type. It is an essential procedure in blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and obstetrics. The slide method involves mixing the patient's blood sample with specific antibodies on a slide and observing for agglutination reactions, which indicate the presence of specific antigens on red blood cells. Requirements: Blood collection tubes Clean glass slides Anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D (Rh) monoclonal antibodies Droppers or pipettes Mixing sticks or applicator sticks Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, etc.) Proper disposal system for biohazardous materials Principle: The blood grouping test determines the presence or absence of antigens (A, B, and Rh) on the surface of red blood cells. Anti-A and anti-B antibodies are mixed separately with the patient's blood sample on a slide. If the corresponding antigens are present on the red blood cells, agglutination (clumping) ...

Clotting time is a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It provides valuable information about the adequacy of the coagulation process and can aid in diagnosing bleeding disorders or monitoring anticoagulant therapy. Requirements: Clean and sterile needles Timer or stopwatch Glass or plastic tubes for clotting Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, etc.) Proper disposal system for biohazardous materials Principle: Clotting time measures the time it takes for blood to form a visible clot after activation of the coagulation cascade. In the presence of calcium ions and clotting factors, a series of reactions occur that lead to the formation of fibrin, which forms the clot. The clotting time test evaluates the integrity and functionality of the clotting factors and platelets involved in the coagulation process. Procedure: Obtain informed consent from the patient and explain the procedure. Assemble the necessary equipment and ensure a clean and steril...

Bleeding time is a diagnostic test that measures the time it takes for bleeding to stop from a small incision on the skin. It provides information about platelet function and the initial phase of blood clot formation. The test is useful in evaluating bleeding disorders and monitoring patients on antiplatelet medications. Requirements: Blood lancet or surgical blade Filter paper or stopwatch Sterile gauze or cotton balls Antiseptic solution Personal protective equipment (gloves, mask, etc.) Proper disposal system for biohazardous materials Principle: The bleeding time test assesses the primary hemostasis phase, specifically platelet plug formation. A small incision is made on the skin, and the time it takes for bleeding to stop is measured. This reflects the effectiveness of platelet aggregation, adhesion, and clot formation. Procedure: Explain the procedure to the patient, including its purpose and any potential risks. Ensure a clean and sterile work area. Position the patient comforta...

A blood test called an ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, gauges how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) accumulate at the base of a tube containing a blood sample. The test is frequently used to aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Requirements: A blood sample collected in an 3.8% trisodium citrate tube A Westergren tube with a calibrated scale A timer or stopwatch Proper disposal system for bio hazardous materials Principles: The ESR calculates the rate at which RBCs accumulate in a column of blood that has undergone anticoagulation. In order to stop blood from clotting, an anticoagulant solution is added to the blood before it is collected into an EDTA tube. After then, the tube is turned upright to give the RBCs time to settle,  red cells aggregate, stack together to form rouleaux, and sediment through the plasma . The ESR is a measurement and a record of how far the RBCs have dropped during a given period. Pr...