Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does a right shift in the RBC histogram indicate?
What does a right shift in the RBC histogram indicate?
Which parameter is NOT typically included in the RBC count measurement?
Which parameter is NOT typically included in the RBC count measurement?
What does a bimodal curve in the RBC histogram suggest?
What does a bimodal curve in the RBC histogram suggest?
What happens to the RBC histogram if leukocyte counts are significantly elevated?
What happens to the RBC histogram if leukocyte counts are significantly elevated?
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When is the curve of the RBC histogram considered wider or flattened?
When is the curve of the RBC histogram considered wider or flattened?
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Which of the following conditions is associated with a bimodal distribution of RBCs?
Which of the following conditions is associated with a bimodal distribution of RBCs?
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In the context of RBC histograms, what does the peak typically represent?
In the context of RBC histograms, what does the peak typically represent?
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How can instrumentation compensate for the presence of leukocytes in the RBC histogram?
How can instrumentation compensate for the presence of leukocytes in the RBC histogram?
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Study Notes
RBC Histogram Analysis
- Two parameters calculated from RBC histogram: MCV and RDW
- Instruments measure cells with volume sizes between 36 fL and 360 fL as RBCs
- RBC histogram can measure cells as small as 24 fL
- Cells in the 24-36 fL range excluded from RBC count
- Leukocytes present, but their numbers are statistically insignificant in the count
- Instrument computer compensates for leukocyte presence
- Elevated leukocyte counts affect RBC histogram
- Microcytic RBCs shift the curve left
- Macrocytic RBCs shift the curve right
- Bimodal curve indicates two populations of RBCs in the sample
- Causes of bimodal distribution curves: blood transfusions (normocytic donor erythrocytes to microcytic recipient), cold agglutinin disease, hemolytic anemia with schistocytes
Curve Shape Interpretation
- Wider/flattened curve indicates variation in cell size (non-homogeneous population)
- Peak of curve indicates the majority of RBC size
- A wider curve indicates anisocytosis.
- Examples of various curve shapes, including normal (normocytic), microcytic, and macrocytic curves are provided visually in the image as figures A, B, and C. These figures also contain related MCV and RDW data.
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Description
This quiz focuses on understanding RBC histogram analysis, including parameters like MCV and RDW. It explores how various factors affect the histogram shape and what these changes indicate about red blood cell populations. Gain insight into conditions that can lead to bimodal distributions and cell size variations.
