Effect of wooddust inhalation on blood rheology

Occupational exposure to wood dust may bring about some changes in blood indices of humans, especially in developing countries where use of protective gadgets like face masks are not in use. This study is aimed at evaluating changes in blood cell indices, haemostasis and CD 4 count on occupationally exposed workers to wood dust. This randomized study consisted of one hundred (100) male sawmill workers who have been exposed to wood dust by working in these environments without any form of protective masks, for over two years as test subjects and fifty male individuals randomly selected who were not exposed to wood dust as controls. Blood samples were obtained from these workers and analysed for complete blood count using PCE ­ 210N haematology analyser, prothnumbin time test (PTT) and activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) were manually done using commercially purchased kit and CD4 count was performed using the flow cytometry method. Haemoglobin, haemcitrocrit and granutocyte levels increased significantly in test subjects when compared with control subjects (P= 0.037, P=0.026, p=0.0005. Mean lymphocyte levels decreased significantly in test when compared to control subjects (P=0.028). while there were no changes in the other CBC parameters, PT, APTT and CD4 counts in test when compared with control subjects. This suggest that inhalation of wood dust increases haemotocrit, haemoglobin and granulocyte levels, decreased lymphocyte count and a longer exposure time to wood dust significantly affects these parameters. This may imply there is an increased rate of blood flow in the circulation of these individuals

Effect of Plasma Storage on Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time at a Nigerian Public Laboratory

Background: Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are the tests used in the investigation and monitoring of hemostatic disorders. Plasma is used to perform these tests immediately or stored for later use. The time and storage temperature have been shown to affect the results of these tests. Thus; all coagulation laboratories need guidelines for plasma storage to ensure reliable results. Objective: To determine the effect of varying storage times and temperatures on plasma PT and APTT. Materials and Methods: PT and APTT were run on plasma from 40 healthy adults using a semi-automated coagulometer. PT and APTT were measured at 0; 4; 6; and 24 h on samples stored at room temperature; refrigerated samples; and frozen samples. The values at 0 h were compared with the values at 4; 6; and 24 h. Results: PT and APTT values were within the reference ranges at 0 h. For refrigerated plasma; PT values at 4 h were within normal; but at 6 and 24 h; they were significantly deranged (P 0.05). PT was significantly different at 4; 6; and 24 h for both room temperature and frozen plasma (P 0.05). The APTT showed significant differences between 0 h value and values at 4; 6; and 24 h for all the varying temperature conditions. Conclusion: For reliable PT and APTT results; samples should be processed and run immediately after collection. However; plasma for PT can be stored at 2o-4oC for only 4 h