Haematology Practical Book for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a comprehensive laboratory manual for students in the Second Semester Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS) programme, aligned with the curriculum prescribed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). The book presents a systematic approach to practical haematology, covering essential areas from laboratory safety and pre-analytical considerations to blood collection, cellular enumeration, red cell indices, coagulation screening, and laboratory automation. It comprises seventeen carefully structured experiments, each presented in a consistent framework that includes the aim, principle, theory, requirements, procedure, observations, clinical significance, precautions, and viva-voce questions. This approach strengthens practical skills while building understanding of the clinical relevance and interpretation of laboratory findings. The manual follows the prescribed practical syllabus in a logical sequence that complements classroom and laboratory instruction. Reference tables, normal values, interpretive information, and clinically relevant notes support accurate observations and effective clinical correlation. Curated viva-voce questions and answers further assist students in consolidating fundamental concepts and preparing for practical examinations. The book pays particular attention to laboratory safety, pre-analytical errors, quality practices, and key precautions to promote accurate and reliable laboratory work. The book is primarily intended for BMLS students and is equally useful for students pursuing DMLT and other allied health science programmes. It also serves as a practical teaching resource for faculty members and laboratory instructors. By integrating theory, practical procedures, quality considerations, and clinical interpretation, the manual aims to bridge classroom learning with hands-on laboratory practice and support the development of competent, responsible, and clinically oriented medical laboratory professionals.

Dr Sachin Kumar is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Laboratory and Life Sciences at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi. He earned his PhD in Neuropharmacology from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. With more than 17 years of experience spanning university teaching, clinical laboratory practice, and scientific research, he has developed extensive expertise in medical laboratory sciences and interdisciplinary research.

Preface

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Experiment 1. Demonstrate Laboratory Safety and Biomedical Waste Management

Experiment 2. Study Pre-analytical Variables in the Clinical

Laboratory, Including Patient and Test Request

Form Identification, Patient Preparation for

Phlebotomy, and Sources of Error in Venous Blood

Sample Collection

Experiment 3. Sample Transport, Processing, Sample Acceptance and Rejection Criteria

Experiment 4. Blood Collection and Order of Draw Experiment

Experiment 5. Estimation of Haemoglobin

Experiment 6. Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

Experiment 7. Determination of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Experiment 8. Blood Smear Preparation and Staining

Experiment 9. Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC)

Experiment 10. Determine the Number of Red Blood Cells

Experiment 11. Perform Total Leukocyte Count

Experiment 12. Determination of Absolute Eosinophil Count

Experiment 13. Determination of Platelet Count

Experiment 14. Calculate Red Cell Indices

Experiment 15. Perform Bleeding and Clotting Time

Experiment 16. Automation in Haematology

Experiment 17. Estimate the Reticulocyte Count

Glossary