Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Egg yolk citrate dilutor is a vital reagent in veterinary hematology, particularly for performing blood cell counts using the Neubauer chamber. It's used to dilute whole blood, allowing for more accurate counting of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. The dilutor prevents clotting and maintains cell morphology, crucial for accurate diagnosis. Its widespread use in veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories underscores its significance in animal health management. The quality of the dilutor directly impacts the reliability of hematological results, making its proper composition and preparation essential.
Composition of Egg Yolk Citrate Dilutor
The egg yolk citrate dilutor is composed of several key ingredients, each contributing to its functionality. The typical composition is as follows:
- Egg Yolk: 85% - Provides osmotic protection and prevents cell lysis. Fresh, preferably hen's egg yolk is used.
- Sodium Citrate: 10% - Acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood clotting by binding calcium ions.
- Distilled Water: 5% - Used to adjust the final volume and ensure proper dilution.
Rationale for Each Component: The egg yolk’s lecithin stabilizes cell membranes, preventing their rupture during dilution. Sodium citrate chelates calcium, essential for preventing coagulation. Distilled water ensures the solution is free from contaminants that could interfere with cell counting.
Preparation Method
The preparation of egg yolk citrate dilutor involves a meticulous process to ensure its efficacy. The following steps outline the procedure:
Step 1: Egg Yolk Collection and Handling
- Collect fresh hen's egg yolks.
- Carefully separate the yolk from the albumen (egg white).
- Ensure the yolk is free from any debris or contamination.
Step 2: Sodium Citrate Solution Preparation
- Dissolve 10 grams of sodium citrate in 100 ml of distilled water.
- Ensure complete dissolution by gentle stirring.
Step 3: Dilutor Mixing
- Measure 85 ml of egg yolk into a clean, sterilized container (e.g., a glass bottle).
- Slowly add 10 ml of the prepared sodium citrate solution to the egg yolk, mixing gently but thoroughly. Avoid vigorous shaking to prevent foaming.
- Add 5 ml of distilled water to adjust the final volume to 100 ml.
- Mix gently to ensure homogeneity.
Step 4: Filtration and Storage
- Filter the dilutor through a sterile filter (pore size 0.22 μm) to remove any particulate matter.
- Store the dilutor in a tightly sealed, light-protected container at 2-8°C. The dilutor should be used within a month of preparation.
Quality Control
Regular quality control checks are essential. These include:
- pH Measurement: The pH should be between 7.0 and 7.4.
- Osmolarity: Osmolarity should be approximately isotonic with blood (around 290-310 mOsm/L).
- Cell Morphology: Microscopic examination to ensure cell preservation.
| Component | Percentage (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Yolk | 85 | Osmotic protection, cell preservation |
| Sodium Citrate | 10 | Anticoagulant |
| Distilled Water | 5 | Volume adjustment |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the egg yolk citrate dilutor is a critical reagent in veterinary hematology, requiring precise composition and careful preparation. Understanding the roles of each ingredient—egg yolk for cell preservation, sodium citrate for anticoagulation, and distilled water for volume adjustment—is vital for accurate blood cell counts. Adhering to the outlined preparation method and implementing quality control measures ensures the dilutor's effectiveness and the reliability of diagnostic results, ultimately contributing to improved animal healthcare.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.