CBC Flashcards
what does the CBC include
leukocyte (WBC) count, erythrocyte (RBC) count, Hgb, Hct RBC indices (MCV,MCHC, RDW), mean platelet vol (MPV), reticulocyte count
what is the difference between CBC and CBC c/ differential
CBC c/ diff includes analysis of WBC type
when would you get a CBC c/ diff
when the reliability of the results is in question, integrity of the specimen, or something in the specimen interferes with the automated sys- manual microscopy is the answer
what is the median lifespan of a RBC
120 days
where are RBC removed from the circulation
macrophages in the spleen, liver and bone marrow
what is it called when the red cells vary in size
anisocytosis
what is it called when RBC vary in shape
poikilocytosis
what causes aniso/poikilocytosis
nutrient deficiencies, inc cell production, or cellular damage
if the MCV is increased what deficiencies would you expect to find
B12 and folate
what type of anemia decreases the MCV
iron deficiency
what happens to the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration MCHC (amt of Hgb in term of % vol of cell - Hgb cx and color) in iron deficiency anemia
it decreases
what are common etiologies of macrocytic anemias and what would you expect the MCV to do
B12 and folate deficiencies - MCV would inc/ be high
what are 2 things that can falsely elevate MCV
reticulocytosis and hyperglycemia - osmotic expansion
microcytic anemia /dec MCV implies an abnormality in Hgb synthesis what is the most common cause
iron deficiency anemia - “when you are small and pale you pump iron to get huge”
what is the only anemia in which MCHC is routinely low (hypochromic)
iron deficiency anemia
RDW is primarily used to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from thalassemia how
RDW inc in macrocytic anemias and early iron deficiency anemias ; thalassemias are often microcytic but have normal or slightly elevated RDW
what does the retic count tell you
the level of bone marrow production/ monitor pt response to therapy and number of mature RBCs
in a person whose bone marrow production is unchanged but the Hct is halved what would the retic count do
it would double
what are 2 things that can elevate the reticulocyte count
hemolysis and acute blood loss- bone marrow is trying to compensate- more retics escape into the circulation
in untreated anemia secondary to iron, B12, or folate deficiencies pts are unable to ____the reticulocyte count appropriately to the degree of the anemia
unable to so it will be elevated but the system can’t keep up
what are some causes of macrocytic anemia MCV >100fL
B12 and Folic acid deficiency
what are some causes of normochromic normocytic anemia
MCV 81-99fL
acute blood loss anemia, anemia of chronic dz, hemolytic anemia
what are some causes of microcytic anemia MCV
iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic dz
decreased production of RBC or increased destruction will____ the retic count and acute blood loss will
decrease it; increase it
in a macrocytic anemia (enlarged erythrocytes) the Hgb value will be _____
lowered - 2 most common causes B12 and folic acid deficiencies
what is another name for B12 and where is it stored
cobalamin - stored in the liver
