The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Test 1. Objective: This is one of the oldest tests done in medical practice. The objective of this test was to determine the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood. It also helped to assess the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. ________________________________________ 2. Principle: The test was based on the principle that when blood was centrifuged, the red blood cells settled at the bottom of the tube, forming a packed column. The ratio of the packed RBC column to the total blood column gave the packed cell volume (PCV), expressed as a percentage. ________________________________________ 3. Materials: • Microhematocrit capillary tubes • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Plasticine or sealing clay • Microhematocrit reader • Lancet • Alcohol swab • Cotton ________________________________________ 4. Procedure (Microhematocrit Method): 1. The fingertip was cleaned with an alcohol swab and pricked with a sterile lancet. 2. Blood was collected into ...
MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION AND YOUR HEALTH
MICROPLASTIC particles have been detected in human blood for the first time, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested.
The discovery shows the particles can travel around the body and may lodge in organs.
A new lab study suggests that microscopic bits of plastic have most likely taken up residence in all of the major filtering organs in your body.
Researchers found evidence of plastic contamination in tissue samples taken from the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys of donated human cadavers.
WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS?
Microplastics are very small (generally less than 5 millimeters in size) plastic particles that can originate from a variety of sources, such as ingredients in cigarette filters, textile fibers and cleaning or personal care products, and dust from car and truck tires, as well as from larger plastic products broken down by the effects of the sun, wind and ocean waves.
Due to their small size and mass, it means they are readily transported by wind and could even be present in the food we eat and in the water we drink.
ARE MICROPLASTICS HARMFUL TO HUMAN HEALTH?
As of the time of writing this, there is no sufficient evidence indicating that microplastics cause any adverse effect on human health.
Although research indicates that interaction of micro-and nano plastics with the human cell could result in them acting as irritants, in much the same way asbestos fibers are now known to inflame the lungs and cause cancer.
Microplastics are also thought to act as vectors for microorganisms and toxic chemicals, thus posing further health risks.
Experimentations involving cells of laboratory animals and microplastics have shown a tendency to cause cellular death, carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, allergic reactions, and metabolic disturbance.
HOW DO MICROPLASTICS FIND THEIR WAY INTO HUMAN BLOOD?
Owing to their small mass, they could chip off of plastic materials including– plastic food containers (take-away) during microwaving, baby bottles, synthetic fibers, and generally anything made of plastic–and could be inhaled with dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. They could also get into our food and water through these sources and bio-accumulate.
These microplastics are found in marine life such as fish and are readily transferred and bioaccumulated upon consumption, although it is thought that microplastics remain in the guts of fish rather than moving into the muscle tissue which is the part of the fish we consume.
ABUNDANCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
More plastic becomes waste after it is discarded and, due to its durability, the resultant pollution lasts for many years.
The once 'visible' microplastics found in water bodies–over the years–would break down into nanoparticles and become invisible to the human eye.
A study carried out in 2015 by oceanographers estimated that between 15–51 trillion microplastic particles were floating about in surface waters across the globe (Lim,2021). And with the continued use of plastics, this figure is expected to increase with time.
WAY FORWARD?
An effective waste recovery system should be in place to prevent plastic waste from finding its way into the ocean.
Also, a shift away from the excessive dependence on plastic materials–plastic packaging, grocery bags made of plastic, plastic straws e.t.c–should be encouraged and other 'non-plastic' alternatives should be considered alongside a reduction in the production of plastic products.
My take, for now, add yours in the comment section...
©️ PUBLIC HEALTH ORBITAL
References and resources;
Lim, X. (2021) Microplastics Are Everywhere –– But Are They Harmful? Nature, 593, pp. 22-25 [https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01143-3](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01143-3)
[http://www.gesamp.org/publications/microplastics-in-the-marine-environment-part-2](http://www.gesamp.org/publications/microplastics-in-the-marine-environment-part-2)
Dr. Nichola Williams, pH.D.(2021) How do Microplastics Affect Our Health? https://www.news-medical.net/medical/authors/nicola-williams
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