Blood
Blood is a red liquid that is thicker than water but thinner than ketchup, whose main role is to be drawn by phlebotomists daily so that doctors can transfuse patients later for anemia.
Function
When not being drawn into tubes or leaking out of human orifices thanks to Coumadin (Warfarin), the role of blood is to transport oxygen and Dilaudid to all cells of the body.
Composition
Blood is made up of plasma (water, other proteins, fat, more fat, and lard) and blood cells (such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and blue blood cells in Americans). Blood navigates the arteries, veins, capillaries, and organs of the human body with the assistance of Google Maps or Uber. The pH of blood can range from 0 to inifinity, but life is most compatible when it ranges between 7.35 and 7.45.
Treatments
- Blood donation - Blood donation is always a benevolent act whereby a person donates blood in exchange for symptomatic anemia, only to be transfused with the blood they just donated. For more information, see Blood Consent Form and Blood Types.
- Blood transfusion - Blood transfusion is the infusion of blood products in someone who is anemic to due to blood loss, whether or not it is related to phlebotomy. A current hot topic in medicine is at what hemoglobin threshold to initiate transfusion. Several strategies include liberal transfusion strategies (transfuse for Hgb < 10), restrictive transfusion strategies (transfuse for Hgb < 8), or [[Really Restrictive Transfusion Strategy|really restrictive transfusion strategies] (transfuse for a Hgb < 0).
- Bloodletting - It is a common misconception that bloodletting is rarely used in modern modern, with exception of the management of hemochromatosis and polycythemia. However, bloodletting is in performed everyday in clinics and hospitals nationwide under the term "phlebotomy."
Differential Diagnosis for Red Liquid
See What is the differential diagnosis for red liquid in a canister?
|
Fun Stuff
|
