Hematology Flashcards
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
= SIZE
Expression of the average volume and size of individual erythrocytes
-cytic = size
Can be microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic
Microcytic
~ 80 fl
Normocytic
~ 80 - 100 fl
Macrocytic
~ 100 fl
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
= COLOR
Expression of the average hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration or proportion of each EBC occupied by Hgb as a percentage.
More accurate than mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
Can be Normochromic, hypochromic, or hyperchromic (although most text deny the existence of hyper= because it is impossible for a RBC to be too red
Normochromic
32-36%
Hypochromic
< 32%
Hyperchromic
> 36%
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
= WEIGHT
Expression of the average amount and weight of Hbg contained in a single erythrocyte; not as useful
Normal: 26-34 pg
Red cell distribution width (RCDW)
Red cell size variation (ie anisocytosis)
Differentiates b/w iron deficiency anemia (IDA), thalassemia, and anemia of chronic disease (ACD)
IDA: increased
Thalassemia: normal or slightly increased
ACD: normal
Reticulocyte count
Number of new, young RBCs in circulation
*immature cells
Expressed as a % (normal is 1-2%)
Index of bone marrow health and response to anemia: immune system is trying to fix anemia when it is pushing these out
Anemia d/t:
- Bone marrow failure
- Hemorrhage or hemolysis
Response to therapy
Anemias
Conditions caused by various disorders of the RBC count, quality of hemoglobin and/or volume of packed RBC
Anemias are classified according to RBC size (MCV) and hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
Causes of microcytic/hypochromic anemia in children
IDA
thalassemia
lead poisoning
Causes of normocytic/normochromic anemia
ACD
acute blood loss
early IDA
Causes of macrocytic/normochromic anemia in adults
Vitamin B12 deficiency
folate deficiency
pernicious anemia
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia d/t an overall deficiency of iron
Caused by decreased iron intake, increased needs, or slow GI blood loss
In infancy, iron deficiency is d/t
an inadequate intake of iron (low iron formula, solely breast fed) or micro hemorrhage from the gut d/t early intake of whole milk (before the age of 9 months - cannot break down the protein)
In toddlers, iron deficiency is often d/t
an increased reliance on whole milk at the expense of solid foods
In adolescence, iron deficiency is d/t
dieting practices that contribute to an inadequate intake of iron, specifically in girls after menarche
S/S Iron Deficiency Anemia
Severity depends on the degree of anemia!
- easy fatigability
- palpitations, SOB on exertion
- lethargy
- HAs
- Pica
- delated motor development
- pale, dry skin and mucous membranes
- tachycardia
- tachypnea
- postural hypotension in severe anemia
- brittle hair
- flat, brittle or spoon shaped nails
Labs/diagnostics for Iron Deficiency Anemia
CBC with retic count will show:
Low: Hgb and Hct MCV (microcytic) MCHC RBCs serum ferritin < 30 mcg.L serum iron
Increased:
red blood cell distribution width (RCDW)
total iron binding capacity
Reticulocyte count will be low in cases of inadequate iron intake or elevated in cases of blood loss