Wakjira Fekadu

05/02/2026

How to Differentiate Platelet Disorders, ITP Vs TTP Vs DIC

Low platelet count is not one disease. Correct differentiation starts with patterns, not numbers.

🔬 Core Mechanism
• ITP, immune platelet destruction
• TTP, microthrombi due to ADAMTS13 deficiency
• DIC, uncontrolled coagulation activation

🧠 Clinical Clues
• ITP, bleeding without organ damage
• TTP, neurologic signs and renal involvement
• DIC, bleeding plus thrombosis and shock

🧪 Key Lab Patterns
• ITP, isolated thrombocytopenia, normal PT aPTT
• TTP, schistocytes with normal coagulation tests
• DIC, prolonged PT aPTT with low fibrinogen

📌 Lab Takeaway
Always read platelet count together with smear and coagulation profile.

04/02/2026

28/01/2026

CRP vs ESR – Inflammation Markers
Feature CRP (C-Reactive Protein) ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
What it is Acute-phase protein made by liver Rate at which RBCs settle in 1 hour
Type Direct marker of inflammation Indirect marker of inflammation
Rise time Rises within 6–8 hours Rises slowly (24–48 hrs)
Fall after recovery Falls quickly Falls slowly
Sensitivity More sensitive & specific Less specific
Affected by Infection, inflammation, tissue injury Anemia, pregnancy, age, RBC shape
Normal value < 1 mg/dL (or

12/01/2026

Biosafety Levels Explained, What BSL 1 to BSL 4 Really Mean in the Laboratory

Biosafety levels define how laboratories manage biological risks. From basic teaching labs to maximum containment facilities, each BSL matches the hazard level of the organism, its transmission route, and available treatment. Higher BSL means stricter controls, not a more dangerous lab

25/12/2025

Troponin CKMB Comparison

Troponin and CKMB are cardiac biomarkers used in suspected myocardial infarction. Troponin is highly specific and remains elevated longer, making it the primary diagnostic marker. CKMB rises and falls faster, which helps in detecting reinfarction or recent cardiac injury

25/12/2025

CRP ESR Inflammation Test Comparison

CRP and ESR are inflammatory markers used in infection and autoimmune diseases. This comparison shows how CRP rises quickly in acute inflammation while ESR reflects chronic inflammatory changes and disease activity.

24/12/2025

🛑 TYPES OF CANCER 🛑

💠 Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in the ectoderm or endoderm of epithelial cells of skin or the tissues that line other organs.

💠 Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels.

💠 Leukemia is a cancer of bone marrow, which creates blood cells.

💠 Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that starts in the lymph glands or cells of the lymphatic system

💠 Myeloma is a cancer of the immune system that starts in plasma cells ( WBC)

💠 Melanoma is a cancer of skin that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control.

💠 Germinoma is a cancer derived from germ cell which are commonly found in the brain of young ages.

24/12/2025

🔬 Organ-Specific Cancer Biomarkers & Their Uses

Cancer biomarkers help clinicians detect cancer early, guide treatment decisions, and monitor therapeutic response. Each biomarker is often linked to a specific organ or cancer type, making it a powerful tool in precision oncology.🧑‍🔬🔬

🧬 Key Organ-Specific Cancer Biomarkers

🟦 Prostate – PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
• Early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer.

🟪 O***y – CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)
• Diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of ovarian cancer.

🟧 Liver – AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)
• Biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors.

🟩 Breast – HER2/neu, BRCA1/BRCA2
• HER2 guides targeted therapy.
• BRCA mutations indicate hereditary breast & ovarian cancer risk.

🟫 Pancreas – CA 19-9
• Used in prognosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer.

⬛ Colon/Rectum – CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), KRAS Mutation
• CEA helps track colorectal cancer recurrence.
• KRAS mutation guides therapy selection.

⬜ Lung – EGFR Mutation, ALK Rearrangement
• Crucial for planning targeted therapies in lung cancer.

🟨 Thyroid – Thyroglobulin, Calcitonin
• Thyroglobulin monitors papillary & follicular thyroid cancers.
• Calcitonin is elevated in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

17/12/2025

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test
1. Objective
The objective was to measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein in blood to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain cancers and fetal abnormalities.
2. Principle
The test was based on an immunoassay principle. AFP present in the sample reacted with specific anti-AFP antibodies to form an antigen–antibody complex. The measured signal was proportional to the AFP concentration.
3. Materials
• Venous blood sample
• AFP reagent kit
• Test tubes
• Micropipette and tips
• Incubator
• Analyzer (ELISA/CLIA)
• Standard and control sera
4. Procedure (Laboratory method)
• Blood was collected under aseptic conditions.
• Serum was separated by centrifugation.
• Sample, standards, and controls were added to designated wells/tubes.
• AFP reagents were added as per kit instructions.
• The mixture was incubated for the specified time.
• Washing and detection steps were performed.
• AFP level was measured using an analyzer.
5. Result
The AFP concentration was obtained and recorded in ng/mL.
6. Uses
• It was used to screen and monitor hepatocellular carcinoma.
• It helped in detecting germ cell tumors.
• It was used in prenatal screening for neural tube defects.
• It aided in monitoring treatment response.
7. Consultation (Interpretation)
• Normal adult level:

15/12/2025

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test
1. Objective
The objective was to measure the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood to assess long-term glycemic control over the previous 2–3 months.
2. Principle
The test was based on the measurement of hemoglobin that had undergone non-enzymatic glycation with glucose. The amount of HbA1c formed was directly proportional to the average blood glucose concentration during the lifespan of red blood cells. The assay was commonly performed using immunoturbidimetric or HPLC methods.
3. Materials
• Whole blood sample collected in EDTA tube
• HbA1c reagent kit
• Test tubes or sample cups
• Micropipette and tips
• Analyzer (HPLC or immunoassay analyzer)
• Calibrators and controls
4. Procedure (Laboratory method)
• Venous blood was collected in an EDTA tube.
• The sample was mixed gently to prevent clotting.
• The blood sample was loaded into the analyzer.
• Hemoglobin was separated and HbA1c fraction was measured.
• The analyzer calculated the HbA1c percentage automatically.
5. Result
The HbA1c value was obtained and reported as a percentage (%) of total hemoglobin.
6. Uses
• It was used to diagnose diabetes mellitus.
• It helped in monitoring long-term glycemic control.
• It assisted in assessing the risk of diabetic complications.
• It was useful for evaluating treatment effectiveness.
7. Consultation (Interpretation)
• Normal:

12/12/2025

CBC interpretation

19/11/2025

Prothrombin Time (PT) test
1. Objective
The objective of the test was to measure the time taken for plasma to clot, assessing the extrinsic and common coagulation pathways.
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2. Principle
The test was based on adding tissue thromboplastin and calcium to citrated plasma. The time required for clot formation was measured. Prolonged PT indicated deficiencies of clotting factors I, II, V, VII, or X, or the effect of anticoagulant therapy.
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3. Materials
• Citrated blood sample
• Centrifuge
• Test tubes
• Thromboplastin reagent
• Calcium chloride solution
• Stopwatch or timer
• Water bath (37°C)
• Personal protective equipment
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4. Procedure (Manual / Laboratory Method)
1. The citrated blood sample was centrifuged to separate plasma.
2. Plasma was collected into a clean test tube.
3. The plasma was warmed in a water bath at 37°C.
4. Thromboplastin reagent and calcium chloride were added to the plasma.
5. The time from addition of reagents to clot formation was measured using a stopwatch.
6. The PT value was recorded in seconds.
7. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) was calculated if needed for anticoagulant monitoring.
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5. Result
The normal PT ranged from 11–15 seconds (may vary with laboratory). Prolonged PT suggested coagulation factor deficiency, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or anticoagulant therapy.
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6. Uses
• It was used to assess extrinsic and common coagulation pathways.
• It helped monitor warfarin or other oral anticoagulant therapy.
• It assisted in diagnosing liver disease or vitamin K deficiency.
• It was useful in evaluating bleeding disorders.
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7. Consultation
The patient was advised to consult a physician or hematologist if PT was prolonged or abnormal for proper evaluation and treatment.