Basic Haematology & Haematological Techniques-I (Practical) Notes
Subject Overview
The practical companion to Basic Haematology & Haematological Techniques-I, covering the core equipment and manual tests of the haematology bench — haemoglobin estimation, total leucocyte count, smear preparation and staining, differential leucocyte count, platelet and reticulocyte counts, red cell indices, ESR and PCV. A 2-credit core practical paper.
Subject at a glance
1
Units
11
Topics
2
Credits
1
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
1 units — click WhatsApp below to get the full notes for each
Unit 1: Core haematology bench technique
- Equipment demonstration (microscope, blood cell counter, Sahli's apparatus, colorimeter)
- Hb estimation (Sahli's, cyanmethaemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin methods)
- total leucocyte count
- smear preparation and Giemsa/Leishman staining
- differential leucocyte count
- platelet count
- reticulocyte count
- absolute eosinophil count
- red cell indices
- ESR (Wintrobe and Westergren methods)
- packed cell volume (macro and micro)
MCV
(PCV × 10) / RBC count (millions)
Normal about 80–100 fL
MCH
(Hb × 10) / RBC count (millions)
Normal about 27–32 pg
MCHC
(Hb × 100) / PCV
Normal about 32–36 g/dL
Interpretation
Low MCV: microcytic, e.g. iron deficiency
Study guide
In this practical you use the microscope, blood cell counter, Sahli's apparatus and colorimeter, estimate haemoglobin by several methods, perform TLC and DLC, prepare and stain smears with Giemsa and Leishman, count platelets, reticulocytes and eosinophils, calculate red cell indices, perform ESR by Wintrobe and Westergren methods and measure PCV. Accurate pipetting and timing matter in every test.
Why Basic Haematology & Haematological Techniques-I (Practical) Matters
These are the routine tests of every haematology laboratory and form the basis of hospital diagnostic work.
How to Prepare for Basic Haematology & Haematological Techniques-I (Practical)
- Practise smear making and DLC until counts are reliable.
- Calculate indices carefully and compare with reference ranges.
- Handle blood samples with full safety precautions.
Basic Haematology & Haematological Techniques-I (Practical): Frequently Asked Questions
What tests are done in the haematology practical?
Haemoglobin estimation, blood counts, smear staining, ESR, PCV, reticulocyte and platelet counts and red cell indices.