Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does a right shift in the RBC histogram indicate?
What does a right shift in the RBC histogram indicate?
- The presence of homogeneous cell population
- The presence of macrocytic RBCs (correct)
- The presence of microcytic RBCs
- The presence of bimodal distribution
Which parameter is NOT typically included in the RBC count measurement?
Which parameter is NOT typically included in the RBC count measurement?
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (correct)
- Cell count volume sizes between 36 fL and 360 fL
What does a bimodal curve in the RBC histogram suggest?
What does a bimodal curve in the RBC histogram suggest?
- Normal RBC distribution and population
- An infection affecting the red cell count
- A consistent size of RBCs in the sample
- Two distinct populations of RBCs are present (correct)
What happens to the RBC histogram if leukocyte counts are significantly elevated?
What happens to the RBC histogram if leukocyte counts are significantly elevated?
When is the curve of the RBC histogram considered wider or flattened?
When is the curve of the RBC histogram considered wider or flattened?
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?
In the context of RBC histograms, what does the peak typically represent?
In the context of RBC histograms, what does the peak typically represent?
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?
Flashcards
RBC Histogram
RBC Histogram
A graphical representation of the distribution of red blood cell (RBC) volumes.
MCV
MCV
Mean Corpuscular Volume; average volume of RBCs.
RDW
RDW
Red Cell Distribution Width; measures variation in RBC size.
Microcytic RBCs
Microcytic RBCs
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Macrocytic RBCs
Macrocytic RBCs
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Bimodal Curve
Bimodal Curve
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Leukocytes in RBC Histogram
Leukocytes in RBC Histogram
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Anisocytosis
Anisocytosis
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Normocytic RBCs
Normocytic RBCs
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RBC Histogram Peak
RBC Histogram Peak
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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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