Questions and Answers
What is the normal range for Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)?
High reticulocyte count indicates a lower rate of RBC production.
False
What are reticulocytes?
Immature red blood cells.
The normal size of an RBC is _____ μm.
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What is the principle behind the glucose test in urine?
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Match the staining techniques with their characteristics.
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Low reticulocyte count can be caused by chronic kidney disease.
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What can cause a high reticulocyte count?
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Which staining procedure is used when no methanol is available?
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What indicates a false negative result in urine tests?
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Study Notes
Fibrin Strands and Coagulation
- Poor coagulation can lead to incorrect internal distribution of cells.
Cell Counting Reference
- Clumped RBCs indicate a thick sample, making it difficult to read.
- Ideal cell distances are noted before the feathery edge, improving visibility for counting.
- Distorted cells at the feathery edge render counting unsuitable.
Staining Techniques
- Crystal Violet is utilized for smear staining and is an alternative when methanol is unavailable.
- Methanol acts as a fixative to adhere cells to slides and kills them.
- Supravital staining colors living cells, aiding in the observation and counting of reticulocytes (immature RBCs) in blood smears.
- A high reticulocyte count signifies increased RBC production.
Reticulocyte Characteristics
- Reticulocytes are larger than standard RBCs and contain reticulum fibers in their cytoplasm.
- Lipid residues from fingerprints can mimic bubble-like dots on slides.
Causes of High Reticulocyte Count
- Hemolytic anemia results from increased RBC destruction.
- Blood loss from various sources, including menstrual bleeding.
- Erythroblastosis fetalis in fetuses or newborns causes elevated counts.
- Kidney issues like cysts or tumors can enhance erythropoietin production.
- Increased reticulocytes are common during pregnancy.
Causes of Low Reticulocyte Count
- Anemia from iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies.
- Bone marrow failure due to drugs, tumors, radiation, or infections.
- Chronic kidney disease leads to decreased hormone production vital for RBC formation.
- Cirrhosis of the liver can lower reticulocyte counts.
Cell Measurements and Values
- Normal red cell width ranges from 11.5 to 14.5.
- Average size of RBCs is approximately 6.5 μm.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is normally between 80-100.
- MCV, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) are essential for anemia classification.
- Central pallor of RBCs should constitute one-third of the total diameter.
Urine Strip Testing
- Various parameters on urine strips have specified durations for assessment (e.g., leukocyte test takes 120 seconds).
- Ascorbic acid in high concentrations can produce false negatives in glucose and hemoglobin tests, risking overlooked clinical findings.
Test Principles
- Glucose Test: Involves a double sequential enzyme reaction that changes color from green to brown, indicating glucose concentration.
- Bilirubin Test: Uses a diazo reaction producing a tan, pink, or violet color, useful for diagnosing liver function and hemolytic diseases.
- Ketone Test: The sodium nitroprusside reaction results in a purple color detection of acetoacetic acid, relevant for monitoring ketosis.
- Specific Gravity Test: Measures urine concentration via pKa changes in polyelectrolytes, resulting in a blue color indicating higher solute levels.
- Protein Test: Employs the protein error of indicator method, changing color to blue-green in the presence of proteins.
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Description
Explore the methods of cell counting in blood smears, focusing on the significance of the feathery edge and cell distribution. Learn about the effects of poor coagulation and the importance of staining techniques like Crystal Violet in enhancing visibility. This quiz will test your knowledge on these critical laboratory practices.
