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Blood Tests, Biopsies and Specimens |
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As presented by Dr Lyndsae Wheen (Pathologist and ex-lab technician, Middlemore Hospital)s Meeting date: September 3, 2000 Venue: AstraZeneca House, Epsom, Auckland. Have you ever felt like a pin cushion after visiting a MedLab where lots of your blood has been taken away in variously colour-coded tubes? It happens when you feel sick and even when you feel well. Ever wondered why they just keep wanting more? Well, if you didn't attend our last public meeting then you missed your opportunity to ask about this and other topics regarding blood tests, biopsies and specimens. BLOOD TESTS Our guest speaker was Dr Lyndsae Wheen, who prior to becoming a doctor worked as a laboratory assistant . Dr Wheen explained how the collection of a blood sample from a patient and it's subsequent interpretation could ultimately determine the type of treatment that a person receives from their specialist. Different sections of the laboratory deal with different blood or body samples. For example, the chemical pathology section tests the blood to check levels of different factors within the blood such as iron & ferritin, albumin and protein. Renal and liver function tests look at factors which tell how the kidneys and liver are working. Also levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the blood can be measured (and a lot of people with Crohn's disease are deficient in one or both of these). The haematology section of the lab looks at the cells that make up the blood, performing tests such as a full blood count to determine the number of red cells, white cells and platelets circulating in the body. If there is a elevated level of white cells and platelets there is usually active disease. ESR (red blood cell sediment rate), which should be low in healthy people, can be elevated in people with active IBD. Haematology also looks at things such as blood clotting times and the amount of protein in the blood. Dr Wheen reminded everyone at the meeting that the Blood Bank, where donated blood is stored for future use, is an important part of the laboratory, especially for those of us who may need an operation in the future. [If you can, please donate blood today.] BIOPSIES During an operation or colonoscopy the surgeon may take tissue samples or biopsies which are also sent to the laboratory to be tested and looked at under the microscope. These small samples are examined for irregularities which may help diagnosis of IBD or even cancer. Dr Wheen was questioned about regular surveillance colonoscopies and endoscopies for people with IBD. This is highly recommended for people who have had a long history of IBD, as there is a increased risk of bowel cancer in people with IBD, which is greater in people with ulcerative colitis than in those with Crohn's disease. SPECIMENS The talk finished with a series of slides showing sections of diseased bowel which had been removed during surgery. It was obvious to all those present why such ulcerated and deformed sections of bowel cause us such a lot of discomfort and pain! A very interesting talk most enjoyed by all present.
(written by Staff Writer)
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