Additional CBC Labs

Question 1

NRBCs

Answer 1

Nucleated Red Blood Cells

Question 2

RDW

Answer 2

RBC Distribution Width (tells us the degree of anisocytosis, i.e., RBC size variability)

Question 3

Degree of RBC size variability and abnormality

Answer 3

anisocytosis

Question 4

When could cause nucleated RBCs to be present in a CBC?

Answer 4

A severe demand for RBCs to be released by the bone marrow (e.g., severe anemia) or marrow involvement by fibrosis or tumor

Question 5

Why calculate the ANC?

Answer 5

To know your count or neutrophils and, therefore, if you are neutropenic. A high percentage of neutrophils/bands can still result in a low ANC if WBC count is low.

Question 6

Why calculate a reticulocyte count?

Answer 6

To know if the level of reticulocytes is appropriate for the level of anemia (i.e., if the bone marrow is responding appropriately). A low reticulocyte count will make you want to consider nutritional defiiciencies or bone marrow issues preventing appropriate response to anemia.

Question 7

What does an eliptocyte score of +2 indicate?

Answer 7

2/4 RBCs are abnormally shaped

Question 8

What does a polychromasia score of +1 indicate?

Answer 8

1/4 RBCs are immature

Question 9

What does an anisocytosis score of +2 indicate?

Answer 9

2/4 RBCs are of abnormal (variable) size.