Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason manual RBC counts are rarely performed?
What is the primary reason manual RBC counts are rarely performed?
Which type of pathway is the Embden-Meyerhof Pathway?
Which type of pathway is the Embden-Meyerhof Pathway?
What is a potential outcome of pyruvate kinase deficiency?
What is a potential outcome of pyruvate kinase deficiency?
Which aspect of ATP utilization in RBCs is NOT accurate?
Which aspect of ATP utilization in RBCs is NOT accurate?
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Which statement about autohemolysis in PK deficiency is true?
Which statement about autohemolysis in PK deficiency is true?
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What does the Hexose Monophosphate Shunt primarily produce?
What does the Hexose Monophosphate Shunt primarily produce?
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Which of the following is a consequence of reduced glutathione in RBCs?
Which of the following is a consequence of reduced glutathione in RBCs?
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What is the typical RBC count reference range for adult females?
What is the typical RBC count reference range for adult females?
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Study Notes
Erythrocytes: RBC Count
- Manual RBC counts are less accurate and less necessary.
- Other tests, like microhematocrit and hemoglobin concentration, are more accurate.
- RBC counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are higher at higher altitudes.
- The difference is about 1g Hb/dL at 2km and 2g Hb/dL at 3km altitude.
- Reference ranges for RBC counts vary by age and sex.
RBC Metabolic Pathways: Embden-Meyerhof Pathway
- Glucose enters red blood cells without energy expenditure (via a transmembrane protein).
- Accounts for 90% of glucose utilization in red blood cells.
- It's a non-oxidative, anaerobic pathway.
- Produces two ATP molecules.
- ATP is used for maintaining cell shape, active transport, and modulating 2.3 BPG levels.
RBC Metabolic Pathways: Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
- An autosomal recessive disorder.
- The most common enzyme deficiency in the EMP pathway causing hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA).
- Possible findings in a blood smear include acanthocytes/thorn cells/spur cells/burr cells.
- Tests associated with PK deficiency:
- PK fluorescent spot test
- Autohemolysis test
- Quantitative PK assay.
- A screening test for PK deficiency to get a confirmatory test.
- Pattern of autohemolysis associated with PK deficiency:
- Autohemolysis is increased, but ATP corrects the hemolysis. (This is Type II)
Glycolysis Diversion Pathways: Hexose Monophosphate Shunt
- Also known as the pentose phosphate pathway or phosphogluconate pathway.
- Converts glucose to pentose and produces NADPH.
- NADPH reduces glutathione (which reduces peroxides, protecting proteins, fats, and heme iron from oxidative damage).
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Description
Test your knowledge on erythrocytes, including RBC count accuracy, altitude effects, and key metabolic pathways like the Embden-Meyerhof pathway. Additionally, explore disorders such as pyruvate kinase deficiency and their impact on red blood cell health. This quiz covers crucial aspects of red blood cell biology and metabolism.
