Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Metabolism > Haemotology > Flashcards

Haemotology Flashcards

1
Q

Where are RBCs produced and where are they disposed?

A

Bone marrow

Spleen and liver

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Name 3 functions of RBCs

A

Carry Hb
Generate ATP
Maintain osmotic pressure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is a normal Hb level for a male and female?

A

M - 130-180 g/L

F - 115-165 g/L

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Name 3 factors in which ‘normal’ Hb levels can vary?

A

Age
Sex
Ethnicity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the definition for anaemia?

A

Where Hb conc is less than normal range

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name some general underlying mechanism for anaemia

A 
Abnormal RBC production
Abnormal Hb synthesis 
Abnormal mature RBC structure, function, metabolism 
Excessive blood loss
Abnormal reticuloendothelial system
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain how the reticuloendothelial system works

A

O2 levels reduce, kidneys release erythropoietin, stimulates RBC production and reduces apoptosis in bone marrow, RBC levels rises (and 02)

Negative feedback

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Explain the significant of reticulocyte count

A

Reticulocyte = immature RBC

Gives to clue to anaemia cause
If low - problem with bone marrow?
If normal - RBCs being destroyed later on?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the definition of microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic anaemias?

A

Mic - small RBCs
Nor - nor sized RBCs
Mac - large RBCs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name two conditions in which you would find macrocytic RBCs.

A

Myelodysplastic syndromes

Vit B12 / folate deficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

In what condition would you find microcytic RBCs?

A

Thalassaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What condition would you find teardrop shaped RBCs?

A

Myelofibrosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where would you find Howell - Jolly RBCs?

A

In patients with a splenectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Microscopically, what would you observe of the RBCs of Vit B12 or folate deficient patients?

A

Megablastic RBCs
Large nuclei and open chromatin (cannot synthesis DNA), cytoplasm small
Macrocytic RBCS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What would you observe of the RBCs of a patient with Thalassaemia?

A

Target cells
Hypochromic RBCs
Microcytic RBCS
Large nucleated RBCs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is haemolytic anaemia?

A

Anaemia of high RBC destruction

17
Q

Name 3 causes of haemolytic anaemia.

A

Autoimmune HA
Myelofibrosis
Anaemia of chronic disease

18
Q

What investigations would you ask for in haemolytic anaemia?

A

Bilirubin
Reticulocyte count
Macrophage count

19
Q

What are some signs and symptoms of Vit B12 / Folate deficiency?

A 
Low mood
Fatigue
Pallor
Neurological signs - depression, dementia 
Jaundice
20
Q

What investigations would you ask for in a suspected Vit B12 / Folate deficiency?

A 
Vit B12 and folate count 
Hb level 
Mean cell volume
WBC count 
Platelets
21
Q

How does anaemia of chronic disease differ from iron deficiency?

A

AOCD - Associated with inflammatory conditions and chronic disease.
Increase macrophage production - increased RBC destruction.
Increased cytokines - increased Hepcidin - reduces iron absorption.

Iron deficiency - due to insufficient intake, poor absorption, increase use - not increased destruction

22
Q

What are some microscopic markers of iron deficiency?

A

Hypochromic RBCS
Microcytic (low MCV)
Pencils cells, target cells
Change in size and shape (anisopoikilocytosis)

23
Q

What is the gold standard test for diagnosing iron deficiency?

A

Reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHR)

24
Q

How would you treat an iron deficiency?

A

Dietary advice
Oral supplements
Intramuscular injections
Transfusions

25
Q

Some signs and symptoms of iron deficiency?

A 
Tiredness 
Pallor
Exercise intolerance 
Tachycardia
Angina 
Respiratory changes - smooth nails
Increased resps
26
Q

What is Polycythaemia?

A

High conc RBCs

High haemocrit

27
Q

What is Polycythaemia Vera?

A 
Cancer
Bone marrow produces too much RBCs and haemocrit
Leads to blood thickening 
Can lead to hypoxia, gout.
Treatment - venesection, aspirin
28
Q

What are some functions of the spleen?

A

RBC recycling
Phagocytosis
Immune functions
Stem cell proliferation

29
Q

Name some causes for splenomegly.

A

Myelofibrosis
Leukaemia
Endocarditis, Hepititis (infection)
Viruses e.g. Glandular fever

30
Q

What can splenomegly lead t?

A

Portal hypertension
Increased RBC production
Cancer

31
Q

What is leucopenia?

A

Low WBC count

32
Q

What is leucocytosis?

A

Increased WBC count

33
Q

What are some common causes for neutrophilia?

A 
Smoking
Cancer
Inflammation
Tissue damage
Myeloproliferative disease
34
Q

What are some reason for neutropenia?

A

Reduced production - B12/folate deficiency, aplastic anaemia, viruses, chemo
Increased removal - sepsis, splenic pooling

35
Q

What are some reasons for eosinophilia?

A

Parasitic infection
Allergic disease - Asthma, hay fever
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Myeloproliferative conditions

36
Q

What is pancytopenia? What are some signs and symptoms?

A

Reduction in WBCs, RBCs, platelets

Fatigue, shortness of breath, thrombocytopenia (bleeding, bruising) , neutropenia (infection)

37
Q

How would pancytopenia look microscopically?

A

High number of fat cells to other cells ratio

Metabolism (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions