RBC disorders Objectives

Question 1

HGB rule of 3

Answer 1

HGB *3 +/-3= hematocrit

-if way different then they need to have it repeated because it could be a lab error.

Question 2

Recognize which wbc nucleus volume is equal to the volume of an rbc

Answer 2

Lymphocyte= 8 microns

Question 3

Define anemia, recognize its three basic causes, and interpret HGB, HCT, MCV, and MCHC to determine if anemia is present and if it is hypochromic or normochromic; macrocytic, microcytic, or normocytic.

Answer 3

Anemia: low HGB and HCT
        -Men <13.5
        -Women <12
3 main causes: 
-blood loss
-impaired RBC production
-accelerated RBC destruction

Hypochromic: Low MCHC
Hyperchromic: high MCHC
Normochromic: normal MCHC

MCV < normal range: microcytic
MCV> normal range: macrocytic
MCV: in normal range: normocytic

Question 4

Recognize the significance of increased reticulocytes, and recall the key criteria needed to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, and folate vs B-12 deficiency anemia; does B-12 or folate deplete quickest?

Answer 4

REticulocytes= immature circulating rbcs
-Bone marrow trying to replace blood for a reason… usually an anemia.

Iron deficiency= most common deficiency in the world

<20 Ferritin= Iron deficiency
>20 Ferritin= normal and probably a thalassemia

Serum B12 levels are the key criteria and how fast B12 depletes
Folate depletes the fastest (3 months)
B12 deficiency you can have more neuro problems (3 years)

Question 5

Identify the vegetable and two medications associated with hemolysis due to G6PD deficiency, and recall the parasite that G6PD deficiency and sickle cell anemia protect against.

Answer 5

Vegetable: fava beans
2 medications: NSAIDS, Anti malarial, sulfa-containing drugs

G6PD and Sickle cell protect against Malaria

Question 6

Differentiate a and b thalassemia, identify the region of the world where thalasemia is most prevalent, and the anemia thalassemia is most often confused with.

Answer 6

Alpha chain: where you have deficient production of HGB A chain

Beta chain: where you have deficient production of HGB B- chain

Mediterranean: most prevalent
Anemia Thalassemia is most often confused with Iron deficiency Anemia?