2013-10-23 Review of Smear Findings

Question 0

Heinz Bodies

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 0

• “bite cells”

- G6PD

Question 1

spherocytes

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 1

• round, no donut hole (hyperchromic/hi MCV)

- hereditary spherocytosis, EXTRAvascular hemolysis

Question 2

Schistocytes

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 2

• helmet cells

- INTRAvascular hemolysis

Question 3

Macrocytes

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 3

• large RBCs (hi MCV)

- B12, folate

Question 4

Basophilic Stipling

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 4

• rRNA build-up

- Pb poisoning, sideroblastic anemia

Question 5

anisocytosis

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 5

• random sizes of cells (incr RDW)

- nutritional deficiencies

Question 6

melena

• what is it?
• when do you see it?

Answer 6

• black and tarry stools

- upper GI bleed

Question 7

Target cells

Answer 7

HALT
Hemoglobin C
Aspleenia
Liver dz
Thalassemia