Hepatitis B & C
What does "Hepatitis" mean when broken down into word parts?
Hepa = liver, Titis = inflammation → Hepatitis = inflammation of the liver
What is the main function of RBCs?
Carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and return CO₂ to the lungs
Which type of WBC is the first line of defense against bacterial infections?
Neutrophils
Which enzyme is often elevated in chronic alcohol use?
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
What does creatinine measure and where is it made?
Kidney clearance; produced by muscle breakdown
List two ways Hepatitis B can be transmitted.
Blood-to-blood contact (needles, transfusions), sexual contact, or from mother to baby at birth
Name two possible causes of low hemoglobin (Hb).
Anemia, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, overhydration
Lymphocytes make up 20–40% of WBCs. They are mostly increased in what type of infections?
Viral infections
Which CMP lab measures the breakdown product of RBCs and can be high in liver injury?
Bilirubin
What is the normal function of BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and what organ clears it?
Byproduct of protein breakdown; cleared by kidneys
Which Hepatitis C test shows exposure, and which test shows active infection?
HCV antibody = exposure; HCV RNA = active infection
High MCV can be seen in which condition related to alcohol use?
Alcohol use disorder (toxic effect on bone marrow, plus B12/folate deficiency)
What does the presence of immature granulocytes in blood usually mean?
Bone marrow is releasing cells early due to infection, allergies, or stress
If AST and ALT are both high, but AST is greater than ALT (>2:1), what condition is likely?
Alcohol-related liver disease
Which CMP test measures kidney filtration ability directly (mL/min)?
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Hepatitis B results show:
HBsAg: Positive
Core IgM: Positive
What does this mean?
Recent or ongoing Hepatitis B infection
What does Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) measure?
Variation in size of red blood cells; increased in iron deficiency or B12 deficiency
Which WBC fights parasites and allergies?
Eosinophils
High ALP can mean liver injury but also what other condition?
Bone disorders (or pregnancy, celiac, zinc deficiency)
Which electrolyte is essential for heart muscle cells and can be life-threatening if too high?
Potassium
What is the Hepatitis B vaccine schedule?
3 injections at 0, 1, and 6 months
Why do doctors check RBC health in patients with liver disease?
Because the liver affects RBC breakdown/production, leading to anemia or abnormal shapes
Why is the absolute count of WBCs better than the percentage?
Because it shows the real number of cells per microliter, not just the proportion
LDH is a nonspecific enzyme found in many tissues. What does a high LDH usually indicate?
Tissue damage (heart attack, PE, sepsis, liver disease, muscle damage)
Phosphorus and calcium are “besties” — if phosphorus is high, calcium is usually what?
Low