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 ...
WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS.
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis is a condition characterized by stiffness and inflammation, or swelling, of the joints. It’s not one type of disease, but it’s a general way of referring to joint pain or joint diseases. An estimated 52.5 million American adults have some type of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. That’s a little over one in five Americans.
While you may only experience mild discomfort at the beginning of the condition, symptoms can worsen over time. They may eventually cause work limitations and affect your day to day. While your risk for arthritis can increase with age, it’s not limited to older adults. Furthermore, there are different risk factors associated with different types of arthritis.
Understanding the causes and risk factors of arthritis can help you and your doctor take preventive measures. This can help keep your symptoms from worsening or delay the onset of the condition.
WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS?
While there are many different types of arthritis, the two major categories are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Each of these arthritis types have different causes.
WEAR AND TEAR;
OA is most commonly the result of wear-and-tear to the joints. Use of the joints over time can contribute to the breakdown of protective cartilage in your joints. This causes bone to rub against bone. That feeling can be very painful and restrict movement.
INFLAMMATION;
RA is when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Specifically the body attacks the membrane that surrounds the joint parts. This can result in inflamed or swollen joints, destruction of cartilage and bone, and ultimately pain. You may also experience other symptoms of inflammation, such as fever and loss of appetite.
INFECTION;
Sometimes, traumatic injury or an infection in the joints can advance the progression of arthritis. For example, reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that can follow some infections. This includes sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, fungal infections, and food-borne illnesses.
METABOLIC;
When the body breaks down purines, a substance found in cells and foods, it forms uric acid. Some people have high levels of uric acid. When the body can’t get rid of it, the acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joints. This causes extreme and sudden joint point, or a gout attack. Gout comes and goes, but if left untreated it can become chronic.
OTHER CAUSES;
1.Other skin and organ conditions can also cause arthritis. These include:
Psoriasis, a skin disease caused by excessive skin cell turnover.
2.Sjogren’s, a disorder that can cause decreased saliva and tears, and systemic disease.
3.Inflammatory bowel disease, or conditions that include inflammation of the digestive tract such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
WHAT INCREASES YOUR RISK FOR ARTHRITIS?
Sometimes arthritis can occur with no known cause. But there are also factors that can increase your risk for all types of arthritis.
AGE: Advanced age increases a person’s risk for arthritis types such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
FAMILY HISTORY: You are more likely to have arthritis if your parent or sibling has an arthritis type.
GENDER: Women are more likely to have RA than men while men are more likely to have gout.
OBESITY: Excess weight can increase a person’s risk for OA because it puts more pressure on the joints.
HISTORY OF PREVIOUS INJURIES: Those who have injured a joint from playing sports, from a car accident, or other occurrences are more likely to experience arthritis later.
Even if you don’t feel the symptoms, you should discuss your potential risks for arthritis with your doctor. They can help provide ways to prevent or delay arthritis.
Read more: Types of arthritis and treatment>>
Article source: Healthline media
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