Red Cells- The essentials

Question 1

What does macrocytic and microcytic mean?

Answer 1

larger versus small

Question 2

What is anisocytosis?

Answer 2

unequal size

Question 3

What is Poikilocytosis?

Answer 3

variable/ abnormal shape, specific types

Question 4

What is hypochromic?

Answer 4

reduced colour

Question 5

What is the meaning of polychromatic?

Answer 5

many colours e.g blue/ purple

Question 6

What is the difference between poly and aniso regeneration?

Answer 6

• Poly- Production of red blood cells that vary but maintain a relatively normal distribution
• Aniso- Production of red blood cells where there is significant variation in size

Question 7

What is a howell-jolly body?

Answer 7

DNA- containing inclusion found after erythrocyte maturation

Question 8

Why is it easier to transfuse blood in dogs than cats?

Answer 8

Dogs do not have circulating antibodies that will recognise differeent blood types

Question 9

What three blood types do cats have?

Answer 9

• a
• b
• AB (very uncommon)

Question 10

What is cross-matching?

Answer 10

testing to see if the antibodies lyse or agglutinate the blood

Question 11

What is the mik antigen?

Answer 11

means the blood has naturally occuring antibodies and can cause a reaction even if the cat has not had a blood transfusion