INTERESTING TIMES

HOMEWORK ATSDR CSEM
Taking an Environmental Health History
atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=17&po=o (or pdf on moodle
complete post-test questions 1-8 by next class

class on week 11 is when we get the take-home final
due friday week 12
homeworks will be reviewed over Thanksgiving
and notice given to students who haven't complete them
no homeworks will be graded late

ACAM & AAEM conference in PDX this week
Marianne Marchese is speaking, 2002 NCNM grad
her book: 8 Wks to Wmns Wellness
( notes (melanoma notes integrated from this date back, radiation notes integrated from this entry to radiation protocol) )

IDA most common
( more )

transferrin saturation = (serum Fe/TIBC) x 100. (normal is 20-50%)
( lecture notes )

Seems like I'm circling all around these blood topics....because they are circular, they interrelate in many ways. ( This one's about HEMOGLOBIN. )

If LOW RBC, Hgb, or Hct
Then evaluate MCV & MCHC to determine if anemia is:
-microcytic hypochromic (MCV < 82 fL, MCHC < 30 g/dL)
Iron deficiency anemia
Thalassemia
Sideroblastic anemia
Anemia of chronic disease (some cases)
Pyridoxine Responsive anemia (B6 deficiency)
Chronic blood loss
Lead poisoning
-normocytic normochromic (MCV 82-97 fL, MCHC 32-36 g/dL)
Acute blood loss
Early stage Iron deficiency anemia
Hemolytic anemia from any cause
Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD)
Hereditary spherocytosis – osmotic fragility test
Aplastic Anemia
-macrocytic (MCV > 97 fL) (remember theoretical upper limit of 37 g/dL for MCHC)
B12 deficiency
Folate deficiency
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Cancer chemotherapy
Alcohol abuse
Liver disease
( more )

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7742873.stm
A new serum testing technique allows researchers to compare the mothers genes with the child's, and get a better idea if the child will inherit any of several hereditary diseases. In Britain 1/25 people carries the gene for cystic fibrosis. Up until now the only way to test for CF in a fetus was amniocentesis. The new genetic testing can also detect beta thalassemia or sickle cell disease.

What three serum findings can each independently justify a diagnosis of anemia?
( answer )

How do you get the smell of mothballs out of something plastic?
Thanks.
( Wikipedia on health effects of napthalene, the main ingredient in older mothballs )