Blood Counts and Films Flashcards
Which tube should blood samples for a FBC be placed into and why
Tube containing EDTA as it chelates Ca ions and acts as an anticoagulant
What is the difference between microcytic and macrocytic anaemia
Microcytic - RBCs smaller than normal
Macrocytic - RBCs larger than normal
What is the difference between hypochromic and hyperchromic anaemia
Hypochromic - RBCs are pale with less Hb than normal
Hyperchromic - RBCs have more Hb than normal
When might a blood film be used
Assess cause of low or high counts
Look for blood parasites
Check for abnormalities like sickle-cell anaemia, spherocytosis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
What does dimorphic mean
There is the presence of two RBC populations in the patient, one from the patient while the other is a second has distinct morphological features
What is anisocytosis
Greater than normal variation in cell size
What is poikilocytosis
Greater than normal variation in cell shape
What is microcytosis
Presence of abnormally small cells
What is macrocytosis
Presence of abnormally large cells
What is hypochromia
Presence of abnormally pale cells
What is elliptocyte
RBC elliptical in shape
What is ovalocyte
RBC oval in shape
What is spherocyte
RBC spherical in shape
What is target cell
RBC where Hb is concentrated at periphery and as a dot in the centre
What is sickle cell
RBC shaped like a sickle
