Here's the New Thing Learned Today

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

Working with a malaria patient... started an IV with the intent to draw blood at that same time. I placed the line but could aspirate just the scantest amount of blood.

To facilitate the q6h labs that were ordered, I offered to the patient the choice between a single stick for the due labs or placing a second line in a larger vessel to hopefully provide a line from which to obtain the upcoming specimens. I placed the line but had to coax enough blood for the T&S and H/H. It was highly atypical. It seemed almost as if the blood were very viscous.

I did a bit of research and found that malaria patients have very stiff RBCs which greatly reduces the laminar flow of blood.

I love learning new tidbits and offer up this nugget for those who do also.

[AJJKRN]

Do you remember the relationship between sickle cell carriers and malaria. It's pretty cool too (unfortunate though when sickle cell develops).

CDC - Malaria - About Malaria - Biology - Protective Effect of Sickle Cell

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

Do you remember the relationship between sickle cell carriers and malaria. It's pretty cool too (unfortunate though when sickle cell develops).

Yes, that was the first thing that came to mind when I read about the stiff cells.