Blood Cell Development and Types Quiz

Red Blood Cell Development and Indices

• Erythroid cell development progresses from early red cells in the bone marrow (BM) to mature red cells in the peripheral blood (PB).
• During maturation, chromatin condenses.
• Early red cells should not be present in peripheral blood.
• Mature red cells in PB appear as purple dots under a microscope.

White Blood Cell Types and Morphology

• Myeloid differentiation gives rise to neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
• Neutrophils are found in peripheral blood (PB).
• Eosinophils have a bilobed nucleus.
• Basophils are also found in PB.
• Monocytes are found in PB.
• Lymphocytes (small and large) are present; small lymphocytes may appear microcytic. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia shows many mature, fragile lymphocytes that break easily during smear preparation.

Lymphocyte Identification

• CD markers (cluster of differentiation) are used to distinguish different cell types.
• All cells have receptors which may serve as targets.

Platelets

• Platelets (PB) are derived from megakaryocytes (BM).
• Platelets play a crucial role in early clot formation.

Hematology Analyzers

• Hematology analyzers count cells by measuring the number of times a laser beam is disrupted by the cells in a sample.
• A blood sample anticoagulant is added to prevent clotting during analysis.

Bone Marrow Examination

• Bone marrow tests are performed using samples from the iliac crest, sternum and/or pelvis.
• Bone marrow morphology and other tests including surface markers, karyotype analysis, and molecular genetics/mutation testing, are performed to assess bone marrow health.
• Additional tests assess platelet function and other cell types.