Erythrocyte Morphology Flashcards
What is the only way to accurately determine RBC morphology?
stained blood film made from blood collected into an EDTA for a CBC - hematology analyzer CANNOT provide this information
What are the 3 main reasons to perform a blood smear?
- confirm CBC data generated from the analyzer
- help determine the cause of certain diseases
- helps identify infectious organisms
What are the 3 zones of a blood smear?
- body
- monolayer (cell counting)
- feathered edge
What 2 stains are most commonly used for blood smears?
- quick Romanowsky (Diff Quik) = clinic
- Romanowsky-type (Wright-Giemsa) = commercial
What are the main 2 characteristics of canine erythrocytes?
- area of central pallor due to biconcave disc structure
- 7 µm in diameter - the largest RBCs
How do feline erythrocytes compare to canine ones? What 2 characteristics are normal to find?
no prominent central pallor coloration and smaller
- poikilocytosis - slight shape variation
- mild Rouleaux formation - clumping
How do bovine erythrocytes compare to canine ones? What characteristic is normal to find?
no prominent central pallor coloration and smaller
anisocytosis - size variation
How do equine erythrocytes compare to canine ones? What characteristic is normal to find?
no prominent central pallor coloration and smaller
Rouleaux formation - RBCs stacked in a row
In what animals is Rouleaux formation normal?
- cat
- horse
- pig
What is the normal morphology of camelid erythrocytes?
(llamas, alpacas, camels)
elliptical to oval
What do avian, reptile, and amphibian erythrocytes look like?
large, nucleated, elliptical
What is anisocytosis?
difference in cell size (normal in bovine)
What are macrocytes? In what 2 situations are they commonly found?
large RBCs
- polychromasia in animals with regenerative anemia (high MCV if significant)
- horses with regenerative anemia (do not release reticulocytes
In what 3 situations is it less common to have circulating macrocytes?
- FeLV
- inherited disorders in Mini and Toy Poodles and Poll Hereford cattle
- vitamin B12 deficiencies common in Giant Schnauzers
What is this? In Which species?
macrocyte
camelid
What are microcytes? In what 3 situations is it commonly found?
small RBCs (decreased MCV when significant)
- iron deficiency (concomitantly with low MCHC)
- vitamin B6 deficiency
- portosystemic shunts
In what animals is it normal to see microcytes?
- Shiba Inus, Akitas
- young animals
What do color differences in erythrocytes indicate?
changes in RBC hemoglobin content
What is polychromasia? What is it indicative of? How does it show on CBC?
“many colors” - presence of both mature RBCs and reticulocytes
regenerative anemia
decreased MCHC and/or MCH
What is hypochromasia? In what 2 situations is it commonly found? How does it show on CBC?
less hemoglobin than usual
- iron deficiency
- lead toxicity (blocks hemoglobin synthesis)
decreased MCHC and/or MCH
What on the CBC indicates hyperchromasia?
increased MCHC and/or MCH - ARTIFACTUAL