Module 1 Flashcards
2 categories of erythrocyte disorders
Anemia
Polycythemia
Polycythemia
RBC count is increased
Absolute anemia
Hb concentration is decreased due to decreased absolute numbers of RBCs in the blood and/or a decrease of Hb inside the RBCs
Decrease in red cell mass and oxygen-carrying capacity
Mild to severe symptoms of hypoxia
Relative anemia
Occurs when Hb concentration is decreased by increasing the plasma volume (dilution)
eg. anemia of 3rd trimester of pregnancy
No decrease in red cell mass or oxygen carrying capacity
3 causes of absolute anemias
Decreased or ineffective erythropoiesis
Increased hemolysis
Blood loss
Hypochromic anemias
Red cell indices are decreased
Red cell morphology - hypochromic and often microcytic
Macrocytic anemias
Red cell indices variable (MCV increased, MCH variable, MCHC normal)
Red cell morphology - macrocytic
Normochromic normocytic anemias
Red cell indices and morphology are normal
Not enough RBCs
Hemolytic anemias
Red cell indices often normal
Red cell morphology - poikilocytosis (abnormal shape)
Poikilocytosis
Abnormal variation in shape of RBCs
Term for abnormal variation in shape of RBCs
Poikilcytosis
Term for abnormal size of RBCs
Anisocytosis
Anisocytosis
Abnormal size of RBCs
Formula for MCV
Hct/RBC
Formula for MCH
Hb/RBC