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Related Concept Videos

Oxygen Transport in the Blood01:27

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...
Composition of Blood01:22

Composition of Blood

The blood in our bodies comprises three major components: blood plasma, formed elements, and the extracellular matrix. Blood plasma is a yellowish fluid that constitutes 55% of the total blood volume. It is primarily made up of water and essential substances such as electrolytes and proteins. Blood plasma serves as a medium for transporting blood cells and also contains nutrients, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and gases.
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Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
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Characteristics and Functions of Blood01:26

Characteristics and Functions of Blood

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Hemoglobin01:24

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Physics-Driven Characterization in a Medical Context
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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Physics-Driven Characterization in a Medical Context

Published on: March 24, 2023

The optimal hematocrit.

Louise Harder1, Lynn Boshkov

  • 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Sciences University, OHSU-UHN-67, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. harderl@ohsu.edu

Critical Care Clinics
|April 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review examines the risks and complications associated with blood transfusions, highlighting the need for established hemoglobin thresholds to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment. It covers key factors like oxygenation, storage, and anemia.

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Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
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Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation

Published on: June 4, 2015

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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Physics-Driven Characterization in a Medical Context
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Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
10:27

Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation

Published on: June 4, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Millions of blood transfusions occur annually in the US.
  • Previously, viral transmission was the main perceived risk of transfusion.
  • Provider perception often deemed transfusions safe, overlooking other complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted issues surrounding blood transfusion.
  • To identify problems and consequences associated with transfusion practices.
  • To address the lack of established safe hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of relevant scientific literature.
  • Analysis of factors influencing transfusion outcomes.
  • Examination of data on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Main Results:

  • Identified numerous problems related to blood transfusion use.
  • Highlighted concerns including oxygenation, storage duration, and immunomodulation.
  • Discussed the impact of transfusion on infection and anemia.

Conclusions:

  • Blood transfusion carries risks beyond viral transmission.
  • Further research is needed to establish safe hemoglobin thresholds.
  • Optimizing transfusion practices is crucial for patient safety and effective anemia management.