Blood Basics
What are the four main components of blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets
How does blood support the muscular system?
By delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles
What does PCV stand for?
Packed Cell Volume
What vein is most commonly used in sheep for blood collection?
Jugular vein
Why do vets take blood samples?
To diagnose disease and monitor health
Which part of blood helps clotting?
Platelets
How does blood help the nervous system?
By carrying oxygen and glucose to the brain
What does EDTA do in a blood sample?
It prevents clotting by binding calcium
Name two tools needed to take a blood sample.
Needle and syringe or vacutainer
What can abnormal PCV indicate?
Anemia or dehydration
What is the main function of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen using hemoglobin
What waste product does blood remove from cells?
Carbon dioxide
What is hematocrit?
The percentage of red blood cells in blood
What should be done to the site before inserting the needle?
Clean with alcohol
What information does a CBC give?
Counts of red/white blood cells and platelets
What is plasma mostly made of?
Water
What system works with blood to remove waste?
The excretory system (kidneys)
What is hemolysis?
Destruction of red blood cells
Why must blood be mixed gently with EDTA?
To avoid clotting without causing hemolysis
Why is blood sampling important in herd health?
To monitor trends and catch diseases early
Which blood component fights infection?
White blood cells
What mineral in blood helps muscles contract?
Calcium
Define CBC.
Complete Blood Count, a common blood test
What angle should you insert the needle?
45 degrees
What happens if a sample is hemolyzed?
It can affect test accuracy