RBC Disorders

Question 1

Anicytosis

Answer 1

RBC of unequal size

Signifies Anemia & Thalassemia

Question 2

Poikilocytosis

Answer 2

RBC of distorted shapes
Presence of >10% of poikilocytes in blood
Due to membrane abnormalities or trauma

Question 3

Sickle Cell Anemia

Answer 3

Sickle cell appearance of RBC
Genetic defect in Hb-S
Hydrophilic Glutamic Acid is substituted to Hydrophobic Valine at point 6 in Beta chain
Inflamed joints & enlarged spleen

Question 4

Hereditary Spherocytosis

Answer 4

RBC spherical shape instead of biconcave

Molecular defects in gene that codes for spectrum, ankyrin, band 3 & band 4 proteins

Question 5

Thalassemia / B-Thalassemia

Answer 5

Thalassemia: Hereditary Anemia from decrease in alpha or beta chains
B-Thalassemia: Decrease or absent beta chain & excessive alpha chains from compensating the inability to form tetramers
Binds to RBC membranes producing membrane damage & at high concentrations forms toxic aggregates

Question 6

Anemia

Answer 6

Decrease in RBC

Question 7

Polycythemia

Answer 7

Increase in RBC

Question 8

Thrombocytopenia

Answer 8

Decrease in platelets