Lecture 1 - Intro to Blood Flashcards
What is the primary focus of the Blood Module?
Haematology
What are the main components assessed in a blood count?
- Haemoglobin level
- Red cells
- Leukocytes
- Platelets
What does CBC stand for?
Complete Blood Count
What is the purpose of a blood film examination?
To check morphology – qualitative
What are the two main series of blood cell development?
- Lymphocytes
- Myeloid series
Where is blood cell production primarily located in adults?
Bone marrow of the axial skeleton
What cytokine is secreted by the kidney to stimulate red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
What is the role of marrow stromal cells in haematopoiesis?
They produce key factors and receptors that support stem cell quiescence, proliferation, and migration
What technology does an automated haematology analyser use to count cells?
- Cell size
- Cytoplasmic/nuclear complexity
- Nucleic acid fluorescence
What does MCV stand for in blood analysis?
Mean Cell Volume
What is the WHO definition of anaemia for females?
Hb <120 g/L
What are the three morphological patterns of anaemia based on cell size?
- Microcytic – small cells
- Normocytic – normal cells
- Macrocytic – large cells
What does MCH stand for?
Mean Cell Hemoglobin
What is a common cause of microcytic anaemia?
Iron deficiency
What factors affect reference intervals for blood cells?
- Developmental age
- Sex
- Physiology
- Ethnic differences
True or False: MCHC is typically quoted in blood tests.
False
What are the important measures for red cell values?
- Hb
- MCV
- RBC
What is the reference interval for Hb in adult females?
115-155 g/L
Fill in the blank: The central 95% of values obtained from healthy individuals is referred to as the _______.
Reference interval
What is the mechanism behind anaemia of inflammation?
Reduced red cell production due to reduced availability of iron
What is megaloblastic anaemia commonly associated with?
Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency
What blood abnormalities are usually means for diagnosis in macrocytic anaemia?
Large red cells, likely hyperchromic
What is the significance of MCV and MCH in red blood cell analysis?
They are parallel measures used to assess red blood cell characteristics.
What is the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on blood cell maturation?
Delayed and abnormal maturation in marrow
What vitamins are needed for nucleic acid synthesis?
Folate and B12
What occurs due to a lack of nucleotides in dividing cells?
Dividing cells die due to inability to synthesize DNA
What type of abnormalities are usually the means for diagnosing the effects on tissues?
Blood abnormalities
What condition is associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency in a 23-year-old with severe diarrhea?
Crohn disease
Where is Vitamin B12 absorbed in the body?
Terminal end of the small intestine
What is the term for a reduction in all three main lineages of blood cells?
Pancytopenia
What is the female reference interval for Hemoglobin (Hb)?
115 – 155 g/L
What is the female reference interval for Mean Cell Volume (MCV)?
80 – 99
What is the female reference interval for Platelets?
150 - 400 x10^9 /L
What is the role of cytokine signals in haematopoiesis?
Induce growth and differentiation
What cytokine is secreted by the kidney to stimulate erythropoiesis?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
What is the function of thrombopoietin (TPO)?
Stimulates platelet production
What are the key factors produced by marrow stromal cells?
Support stem cell quiescence, proliferation, and migration
What are the signals that act on haematopoietic stem cells?
Stem Cell Factor (SCF)
What does G-CSF stand for?
Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor
What is the main driver of erythropoiesis?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Fill in the blank: The immature red cell that completes clearance of RNA is called a _______.
Reticulocyte
What is the lifespan of a mature erythrocyte?
Approximately 100-120 days
What is the average number of red cells produced each day by an adult?
200 - 300 x 10^9
What are the stages of erythropoiesis starting from haematopoietic stem cells?
Proerythroblasts, basophilic erythroblasts, polychromatic erythroblasts, reticulocytes, mature erythrocytes
What happens to the nucleus during the maturation of erythrocytes?
The nucleus is discarded
What is the role of erythroblasts in the early stages of erythropoiesis?
Proliferate and take up large amounts of iron
What type of cells do erythroblasts surround during their development?
Macrophages
True or False: Erythroblasts lose their nucleus before they become mature erythrocytes.
True
