Anaemia- what is it? Flashcards
1
Q
what is anaemia?
A
reduced total red cell mass
2
Q
what is our bodies response to anaemia?
A
to increase RBC production
reticiculocytosis
3
Q
what tests can we do to check for anaemia?
A
Hb conc RBC number RBC size (MCV) haematocrit mean cell haem (MCH) mean cell Hb conc blood film reticulocyte count
4
Q
what is haematocrit?
A
ratio of blood cells that are red blood cells
5
Q
if MCV is low, what does this mean?
A
microcytic anaemia
problem with haemoglobinisation which is a cytoplasmic defect
means the red blood cells are small
6
Q
if MCV is high, what does this mean?
A
macrocytic anaemia
red cells are large
( failed to shrink)
consider a nuclear maturation defect
7
Q
what might cause a decreased production of red blood cells ( low retic count)
A
hyporolifertaive problems ( decreased erythropoeisis) maturation problem - cytoplasmic or nuclear ( erythropoiesis is occuring but is ineffective)
8
Q
what might cause increased loss of red blood cells or increased destruction
(high retic count)
A
bleeding
haemolysis
