RBCs Overview, Origin, Regulation, + Morphology Flashcards
Who is she?
> 9um
Well hemoglobinized (lacks a central pallor)
Round Macrocytes - Liver disease
Oval Macrocytes - B12/folate deficiency, pernicious anemia
Macrocyte
Who Is She?
<6um
Central pallor due to decreased hemoglobin concentrations
Iron deficiency, Thalassemia, Sideroblastic (lead poisoning)
Microcyte
Anisocytosis
Any significant variation in size of RBC Found in most anemias/leukemias Often due to deficiency in raw material Graded 1+ to 4+ Variation corresponds with RDW
RDW
Red blood cell Distribution Width
Variation in RBC size
Calculated from MCV and RBC
Indicator of degree pf anisocytosis
Poikilocytosis
RBC variation in shape
What percentage of blood is formed elements?
45%
What is the lifespan of the red blood cell and why
120 days, they don’t contain a nucleus
Which statement describes the role of RBCs in the body?
All of these describe RBCs
Flexible container for hemoglobin
Acts as a buffer for the pH of blood
Oxygen transporter
All of these describe RBCs
Which glycoprotein hormone triggers the production of RBCs?
Erythropoietin
Which of the following may cause elevated EPO?
Adrenal gland tumor
Smoking
High altitude
All the above
Which of the following can lead to a decreased level of EPO?
Renal failure
Thyroiditis
High altitude
Heart disease
Renal failure
Where in the body does erythropoiesis typically occur in adults?
Bone marrow of long, flat bones
Which cells “nurse” erythrocyte development?
Macrophages
How can reticulocytes be differentiated from mature RBCs microscopically?
They tend to be larger, bluer and can appear to have a mesh-like appearance
What does hematocrit measure?
The percentage of blood composed of erythrocytes
Anemia with low reticulocyte count may indicate which of the following:
Chronic disease
Nutritional deficiencies
Renal failure
All the above
A reticulocyte index is useful to determine:
if the patient’s bone marrow is responding to their anemia
When may reticulocytosis occur?
Nutritional deficiencies
Aplastic anemia
Marrow failure
Post hemorrhage
Post hemorrhage
What happens to RBCs at the end of their life span?
They are removed by macrophages and components recycled or eliminated
What purpose does the peripheral smear serve?
To determine if cells appear normal
What are the conditions associated with macrocytosis?
Pernicious anemia
Liver disease
What is the term for significant variation in the size of a RBC population?
Anisocytosis
Which of the following is associated with increased Red Blood Cell DIstribution Width (RDW)?
Nutritional deficiencies
Dehydration
Renal disease
Nutritional deficiencies
Poikilocytosis is the term that refers to
RBCs of different shapes
