Which of the following types of laboratories are responsible for blood tests?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

The Haematology laboratory is the department specifically dedicated to the study of blood components.
This includes analyzing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the proteins involved in blood clotting (coagulation).
Common tests performed in haematology are the Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and coagulation profiles like PT/INR.
The term 'Haematology' itself is derived from Greek 'haima' for blood and 'logos' for study.

Option B: This lab focuses on detecting parasites. While some parasites are found in blood (like malaria), this lab also analyzes other samples like stool and is not the primary department for general blood analysis.
Option C: This lab cultures samples to identify bacteria. It performs blood cultures to detect sepsis, but its scope is not the general analysis of blood cells or chemistry.
Option D: This lab analyzes the chemical composition of the fluid part of the blood (plasma or serum), such as glucose, electrolytes, and enzymes, not the blood cells themselves.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Functions of different clinical laboratory departments helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must know which lab to send specific tests to, as using the wrong collection tube or sending to the wrong department can cause sample rejection, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
For example, drawing blood for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) into a plain red-top tube (for biochemistry) instead of a lavender-top EDTA tube (for haematology) will cause the blood to clot, making a cell count impossible.
What if? A patient on warfarin needs their clotting time checked. The nurse should draw blood into a light blue top (citrate) tube and send it to the Haematology lab for a Prothrombin Time/INR test, not the biochemistry lab.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: 'blood tests'.
Analyze the options to understand the function of each laboratory type.
Recognize that 'Haematology' is the study of blood ('haema-' means blood). This establishes the most direct link.
Consider the other labs: Parasitology (parasites), Bacteriology (bacteria), and Biochemistry (chemicals). While they may use blood samples, their primary function is not the general analysis of blood itself.
Differentiate between analyzing the blood's cellular components (Haematology) versus using blood to find pathogens (Microbiology) or analyzing its chemical content (Biochemistry).
Select the option that represents the primary and most comprehensive responsibility for blood analysis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 31-33

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