Blood sample is spelled according to the rules of English phonics. The first syllable, "bluhd", is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /ʌ/. The second syllable, "sam-puhl", contains a short "a" sound, represented by the symbol /æ/, and an unstressed "uh" sound, represented by the symbol /ə/. This word is commonly used in medical settings to refer to a small amount of blood that is taken for testing purposes.
A blood sample refers to a small quantity of blood collected from an individual for diagnostic, research, or medical purposes. It is obtained by puncturing the vein using a sterile needle and collecting the blood into a specialized container, such as a test tube or a vacutainer, for analysis. The collection procedure may involve either venous or capillary sampling, depending on the purpose of the test and the specific requirements of the medical professional or institution.
Blood samples are an essential tool in the field of medicine as they provide valuable insights into an individual's overall health condition. They allow medical practitioners to assess various aspects of the physiology, including red and white blood cell counts, presence of biochemical markers, hormone levels, infection detection, and identification of genetic disorders. Furthermore, blood samples enable the measurement of vital parameters, such as glucose and cholesterol levels, which help diagnose conditions like diabetes or heart diseases.
Additionally, blood samples play a pivotal role in diagnosing illnesses, tracking diseases progression, and monitoring the effects of treatments. They can be utilized to identify the presence of infectious agents like bacteria or viruses, screen for certain types of cancer using specific markers, or detect abnormalities in organ function, such as liver or kidney disorders.
Overall, blood samples are a crucial tool in modern healthcare, serving as an invaluable source of information for medical professionals to diagnose, treat, and monitor an individual's health status.
The word "blood" originated from the Old English word "blōd", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "blōþam". In Proto-Indo-European, it can be linked to the word "bhlo-to", meaning "to swell, gush, be wet". This root word indicates the essential fluid in living organisms.
The word "sample" has its origins in the Middle English word "sampler" or "samplerie", which referred to a piece of cloth embroidered with a design or collection of different stitches. This term also evolved from Latin's "exemplum", translating to "example" or "pattern".
Combining these origins, the term "blood sample" refers to a portion or specimen of blood taken for examination or analysis.