Question

EXPERIMENT 11 CASE STUDY: BLOOD

A 52-year old man weighing 60kg is taking 100mg Iron supplement every night due to his mild Anemia. He noticed that the color of his stool became dark brown to black and tarry, with a sudden change in consistency. He decided to stop taking Iron supplements however, his condition is still the same as well as the color of his stool. He then consulted the doctor after a week, as it is accompanied by persistent abdominal discomfort and constipation.

Questions:

(1) What chemical test can be used to detect blood in the stool sample? Explain. (2 points)

(2) What is the principle and expected result of the tests? (2 points)

(3) What will be the confirmatory test for the detection of blood in the stool sample? (1 point)

(4) What is insufficient in patients with Anemia? Explain. (2 points)

(5) What are the functions of white blood cells in our body? Explain. (2 points)

Answer 1

1 . The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood.

2 . Principle of chemical tests to detect occult blood is based on the fact that hemoglobin and its derivatives react in a similar way to peroxidase enzymes– by catalyzing the transfer of an oxygen atom from the peroxide to a chromogen such as benzidine, guaiac or aminophenazone.Oxidation of the chromogen is indicated by the production of a blue, blue-green or pink color.

Negative result. A fecal occult blood test is considered negative if no blood is detected in the stool samples.

Positive result. A fecal occult blood test is considered positive if blood is detected in your stool samples.

3. Colonoscopy is a confirmatory test to detect the blood in stool. It is helpful to analyse from where the bleeding occures.

4. Anemia is results from a low number of red blood cells.

In iron deficiency anemia , iron is insufficient which is essential for carrying oxygen.

5 . WBC is an important part of the immune system. These cells help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body.

There are Five types of WBC.

• Monocytes. help to break down bacteria.

• Lymphocytes.It create antibodies to fight against bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful invaders.

• Neutrophils. They kill and digest bacteria and fungi.

• Basophils .They secrete chemicals such as histamine, a marker of allergic disease, that help control the body's immune response.

• Eosinophils. They attack and kill parasites and cancer cells, and help with allergic responses.