|
The program is divided into three sections:
1. Red Blood Cell Indices - this program simulates
the determination of standard red blood cell indices, which may
be performed in the laboratory using fresh blood samples, and used
to produce a haematological profile.
· Red blood cell count - simulated haemocytometry,
· Haematocrit (PCV) - simulation of the use of an haematocrit
reader
· Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration - simulated spectrophotometry
including the construction of a standard haemoglobin curve.
In the Methods Section the principles of each method are explained
using a combination of text and imaginative graphics. Students can
then simulate performing the tests on either a normal male or a
normal female subject. This allows them to interactively obtain
results for red cell count, PCV and [Hb] which may then be entered
into a simple calculation program to give MCV, MCH and MCHC. The
complete haematological profile may then be printed.
2. Blood Groups - text and graphics are used to
introduce and explain the basis of the determination of ABO and
Rhesus blood groups. There is then an exercise in which students
can observe the interaction of a blood sample, from a subject of
unknown blood group, and known antisera (anti-A, anti-B and anti-D).
They are then asked to select the correct blood group from a list
of possible answers. Different blood groups are generated randomly
and students can try as many examples as they wish. A record of
their score is kept and displayed on-screen.
3. Anaemias - Nine patient case histories are
used to teach the principles of how the medical history, peripheral
blood films and the results of haematological tests can contribute
to diagnosis of anaemias. Each case has a brief medical history,
a haematological profile (RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV, MCV,
MCH, MCHC), a peripheral blood film which indicates how this differs
from normal blood and the results of other blood indices. Students
are required to select an appropriate diagnosis initially from one
of the four main types (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, haemolytic
and aplastic) and then with the aid of additional test results to
further define this by selecting one from nine possible diagnoses
(enzyme deficiency, thalassaemia, haemorrhage, sickle cell, bone
marrow aplasia, folate deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, vitamin
B12 deficiency, autoimmune (drug induced), iron deficiency).
Target audience: Undergraduate. Some sections may be suitable
for good high school students |