RBC Abnormalities Flashcards
RBC production
Erythropoiesis
Functions of blood
1 Transports nutrients, waste products, hormones, and oxygen
2 Regulates fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance
3 Protects
RBC production is controlled by ______
Erythropoietin
Destruction of RBCs
Hemolysis
Where are RBCs destroyed?
Spleen
Where are RBCs synthesized?
Kidney
Causes of anemia
Decreased erythrocyte production
Erythrocyte loss
Normal RBC diameter
7-8 um
Normal RBC thickness
2-5 um
Normal RBC volume
90 fl
Normal RBC surface area
160 um
Morphologic alterations in erythrocytes
Distribution Hemoglobin concentration Size Shape Inclusions Morphology Parasites
Normal distribution of RBCs
Even distribution in the thin portion (1/3)
No overlapping
Abnormal distribution
Rouleaux
When does abnormal distribution of RBCs happen?
Increased serum proteins (fibrinogen and globulins)
Abnormal distribution of RBCs is seen in:
Hyperproteinemia Multiple myeloma Increased fibrinogen Infection Necrosis Pregnancy
Own RBCs agglutinate in own serum or plasma
Autoagglutination
Autoagglutination is seen in:
Hemolytic anemia Atypical pneumonia Mycoplasma infection Staphylococcal infection Trypanosomiasis
Clumping at temperatures below 25 C
Cold agglutinin
Alterations in erythrocyte color or hemoglobin content
Normochromic Hypochromic Hyperchromasia Polychromasia Anisochromia
Variation in hemoglobin content
Anisochromia
Contain normal amount of hemoglobin
Normochromic cells
Very pale and show an increased area of central pallor (making up more than 1/3 of the cell)
Hypochromic cells
Seen as decreased MCV or microcytosis
Hypochromic cells