(F) L1.2: RBC Morphology Flashcards
Normal distribution of RBCs
a. Slightly separated from one another
b. Not overlapping
c. Both
d. Neither
Both
Shape of normal RBC
Circular (with smooth edge)
Color of the cytoplasm of a normal RBC
Reddish-pink
T or F: When we read a PBS under a microscope, we should read the feathery edge
False (near the feathery edge)
- RBCs resembling “stack of coins”
- The entire outline of each cell is NOT VISIBLE
- CANNOT EVALUATE the cell size and shape
Rouleaux formation
Roulaux formation is characteristic to which two disorders?
- Hyperproteinemia
- Multiple myeloma
Rouleaux formation
a. Increased amount of serum gamma globulin and increased fibrin
b. Producing functional antibodies
c. Both
d. Neither
D
A. Should be plasma and fibrinogen
B. Should be non-functional
T or F: If one of the zetapotentials of the RBC are INCREASED, they will CLUMP forming a rouleaux formation
False (reduced)
Happens when RBCs clump together forming AGGREGATES when exposed to various red cell antibodies
Agglutination
- In ______________, you can observe AGGREGATES OR MASSES OF RED BLOOD CELLS when exposed to various red cell antibodies
- In __________, they are forming a STACK OF COINS
- Agglutination
- Rouleaux formation
- An individual’s RBCs agglutinate in their own plasma or serum that contain no specific agglutinins
- Presence of cold agglutinin IgM antibodies directed against RBC antigens
Autoagglutination
Agglutination has (elevated/decreased) MCV and (elevated/decreased) RBC count
- Elevated MCV
- Decreased RBC count
Refers to increased number of red blood cells with a variation in size
Anisocytosis
- NORMAL RBC
- 7–8µm
- MCV is 80–100fL
Normocytes
- LARGER than normal RBCs
- > 8µm
- MCV is > 100fL
Macrocytes
- SMALLER than normal RBCs
- MCV is < 80fL
Microcytes
What are macrocytes associated with?
Impaired DNA synthesis
What are microcytes associated with?
Defective Hgb formation
- General term for a VARIATION IN THE NORMAL COLORATION
- It is often noted DURING THE MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION of the blood smear
Anisochromia
The degree of ________ can provide diagnostic information about the underlying cause of the disease
Anisochromia
- RBCs that LACK A CENTRAL PALLOR even though they lie in the desirable area for evaluation
- These RBCs are actually caused by a shape change such as those found in spherocytes
Hyperchromic cells
TRUE HYPERCHROMIA occurs when MCHC is (HIGH/LOW)
High
The ONLY DISEASE in which the MCHC is high above the reference
Hereditary spherocytosis
3 clinical manifestations of Hereditary Spherocytosis
- Splenomegaly
- Anemia
- Jaundice
Supply the missing values for Hereditary Spherocytosis
DAT:
MCV:
MCH:
MCHC:
- DAT (Direct Antiglobulin Test): Negative
- MCV: Normal to low
- MCH: Normal
- MCHC: Slightly increased
T or F: Immune disorders that have spherocytes are also usually characterized by a positive result on DAT
True
Supply the grading for hypochromia:
- Thin rim of hemoglobin
- Area of central pallor - 2/3
- Area of central pallor - 3/4
- Area of central pallor - 1/2
4+, 2+, 3+, 1+
The gradng of hypochromia depends on which two factors?
- Degree of paleness
- Amount of hemoglobin distribution
In hypochromia, the RBC is (paler/darker) in color
Paler
- Aka DIFFUSELY CHROMATOPHILIC ERYTHROCYTES
- LARGER than normal red cells with BLUISH TINGE (Wright’s stain)
Polychromatophilic Erythrocytes
What causes the bluish tinge in polychromatophilic RBCs?
Residual RNA
Increased number of red blood cells with a VARIATION IN SHAPE
Poikilocytes
Description:
- SPHERICAL in shape
- LACKS CENTRAL PALLOR
- The staining intensity is increased
- The only RBC that can be called hyperchromic due to increased MCHC
Spherocytes
Associated conditions of this abnormal RBC:
- Hereditary Spherocytosis
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
- Burns
- ABO HDN
Spherocytes
Description:
- Aka MOUTH CELL
- ELONGATED RBCs with a SLIT-LIKE CENTRAL PALLOR
Stomatocyte
- The cause of this type of variation is due to the MEMBRANE DEFECT causing HIGH CELLULAR SODIUM and LOW POTASSIUM
- The ABNORMAL SODIUM POTASSIUM TRANSPORT RATIO causes the production of this
Stomatocyte
Associated conditions of this abnormal RBC:
- RH Deficiency Syndrome
- Alcoholism
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Overhydration
Stomatocytes
Description:
- Aka SPUR CELLS
- RBCs with an IRREGULARY SPICULATED SURFACE
Acanthocyte
Lack central pallor
a. Spherocyte
b. Acanthocyte
c. Both
d. Neither
C
The RBCs are IRREVERSIBLY THORNY and they have irregularly shape spicules with various lengths and some of the SPICULES ARE BENT plus they DO NOT HAVE A CENTRAL PALLOR
Acanthocytes
Associated conditions of this abnormal RBC:
- Abetalipoproteinemia (Aka Bassen-Kornzweig Syndrome)
- Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) Deficiency
- Liver disease
- Post-splenectomy
- Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency
Acanthocyte
Description:
- Aka ECHINOCYTES OR CRENATED CELLS
- RBCs with a REGULAR SURFACE but SPICULATED
- Resembles a HEDGEHOG or SEA URCHIN
Burr cells