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What is the term used to describe the total mass of red blood cells circulating in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow?
What is the term used to describe the total mass of red blood cells circulating in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow?
Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC formation that primarily takes place in the yellow marrow.
Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC formation that primarily takes place in the yellow marrow.
False
What is the chief stimulatory cytokine for red blood cells known as?
What is the chief stimulatory cytokine for red blood cells known as?
erythropoietin
Deficiency in Vitamin B12 leads to ______________, which is characterized by MACROCYTIC, NORMOCHROMIC ANEMIA.
Deficiency in Vitamin B12 leads to ______________, which is characterized by MACROCYTIC, NORMOCHROMIC ANEMIA.
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What is the earliest recognizable erythroid precursor visible using the light microscope?
What is the earliest recognizable erythroid precursor visible using the light microscope?
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What is the characteristic feature used to identify the stage of RBC precursors?
What is the characteristic feature used to identify the stage of RBC precursors?
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Basophilia pertains to the pinkness of a particular part of the cell.
Basophilia pertains to the pinkness of a particular part of the cell.
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_______ is the last stage in which the RBC has its nucleus.
_______ is the last stage in which the RBC has its nucleus.
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What is the process called when small fragments of the nucleus are left behind after the extrusion of the nucleus in RBCs?
What is the process called when small fragments of the nucleus are left behind after the extrusion of the nucleus in RBCs?
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What is the term used to refer to decreased reticulocyte counts?
What is the term used to refer to decreased reticulocyte counts?
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Which staining method is more preferred for staining reticulocytes?
Which staining method is more preferred for staining reticulocytes?
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Hemosiderin can be found in the mitochondria of cells.
Hemosiderin can be found in the mitochondria of cells.
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The Corrected Reticulocyte Count formula is CRC = Reticulocyte (%) x ____.
The Corrected Reticulocyte Count formula is CRC = Reticulocyte (%) x ____.
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Match the hematocrit range with its corresponding maturation time in days:
Match the hematocrit range with its corresponding maturation time in days:
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What is the term used to describe RBCs with a thin rim of hemoglobin and a large, clear center?
What is the term used to describe RBCs with a thin rim of hemoglobin and a large, clear center?
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Spherocytes are almost spherical in shape and lack central pallor.
Spherocytes are almost spherical in shape and lack central pallor.
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What is the condition characterized by an elongated RBC with a slit-like central area?
What is the condition characterized by an elongated RBC with a slit-like central area?
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Echinocytes are also known as _______ due to their spiculated surface.
Echinocytes are also known as _______ due to their spiculated surface.
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What is the condition characterized by renal failure, thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and severe mucocutaneous hemorrhage?
What is the condition characterized by renal failure, thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and severe mucocutaneous hemorrhage?
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Which term is used for the aggregated RNA inclusions that are visualized with Wright stain and are associated with conditions like lead poisoning and arsenic poisoning?
Which term is used for the aggregated RNA inclusions that are visualized with Wright stain and are associated with conditions like lead poisoning and arsenic poisoning?
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Basophilic stippling is a visualized feature that is commonly seen in malaria and conditions with overt hemolysis.
Basophilic stippling is a visualized feature that is commonly seen in malaria and conditions with overt hemolysis.
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______ is the main component of the red blood cell and serves as the respiratory pigment.
______ is the main component of the red blood cell and serves as the respiratory pigment.
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In an acidic environment, the FASTEST hemoglobin is H (composed of 4 beta globin chains).
In an acidic environment, the FASTEST hemoglobin is H (composed of 4 beta globin chains).
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In normal individuals, the fastest hemoglobin is identified as ___A1.
In normal individuals, the fastest hemoglobin is identified as ___A1.
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What does Hb A1 migrate faster than in an acidic environment?
What does Hb A1 migrate faster than in an acidic environment?
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Hb H is slower than Hb A if coexisting in the same environment.
Hb H is slower than Hb A if coexisting in the same environment.
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Match the following hemoglobins with their migration speed in an acidic environment:
Match the following hemoglobins with their migration speed in an acidic environment:
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What is another name for the condition characterized by the presence of xerocytes?
What is another name for the condition characterized by the presence of xerocytes?
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Which genetic disorder is associated with defective apo B synthesis?
Which genetic disorder is associated with defective apo B synthesis?
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TTP is characterized by obstruction of small blood vessels by platelet aggregates.
TTP is characterized by obstruction of small blood vessels by platelet aggregates.
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Drepnocytes are also referred to as ______________ or ______________.
Drepnocytes are also referred to as ______________ or ______________.
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Match the following RBC shapes with their respective conditions:
Match the following RBC shapes with their respective conditions:
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What are acute phase reactants (APRs) and what is their function?
What are acute phase reactants (APRs) and what is their function?
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Which protein levels increase in the blood in response to inflammation? Select all that apply.
Which protein levels increase in the blood in response to inflammation? Select all that apply.
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Anemia is defined as the decrease below normal of one or more of the following: Number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, volume of packed red cells (hematocrit), and _______.
Anemia is defined as the decrease below normal of one or more of the following: Number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, volume of packed red cells (hematocrit), and _______.
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Hemolysis is explained by decreased production of erythrocytes.
Hemolysis is explained by decreased production of erythrocytes.
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What is the primary function of hemoglobin?
What is the primary function of hemoglobin?
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The complete adult hemoglobin molecule is composed of 4 different constituents: 1) A protein component (______) composed of two sets of two different polypeptide chains.
The complete adult hemoglobin molecule is composed of 4 different constituents: 1) A protein component (______) composed of two sets of two different polypeptide chains.
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Which of the following are constituents of the complete adult hemoglobin molecule?
Which of the following are constituents of the complete adult hemoglobin molecule?
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Hemoglobinometry involves measuring hemoglobin levels using Drabkin's reagent.
Hemoglobinometry involves measuring hemoglobin levels using Drabkin's reagent.
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Match the hemoglobin structure with its description:
Match the hemoglobin structure with its description:
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Study Notes
Erythropoiesis
- Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC formation, which takes place inside the bone marrow.
- The site of formation is the red marrow, and related terms include:
- Erythron: the total mass of RBCs circulating in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow RBC precursors.
- RBC mass: the erythrocytes in the circulation, total population present inside the circulation (blood vessel only).
- Erythrokinesis: a term that describes the dynamics of RBC creation and destruction.
Reticulocytes
- Reticulocytes are immature RBCs that have a network of ribosomal RNA.
- Methods of counting reticulocytes include:
- Supravital staining (e.g., methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue)
- Wright's staining
Erythrocytes
- RBC count is an important parameter in blood tests.
- RBC metabolic pathways include:
- Anaerobic glycolysis ( Embden-Meyerhof pathway)
- Hexose monophosphate shunt
- Pentose phosphate pathway
- RBC anomalies include:
- Anisocytosis (abnormal variation in RBC size)
- Anisochromia (abnormal variation in RBC color)
- Poikilocytosis (abnormal RBC shape)
- RBC inclusion bodies (e.g., Howell-Jolly bodies, Cabot rings)
Hemoglobin
- Hemoglobinometry is the measurement of hemoglobin levels in the blood.
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and identify hemoglobin types.
- Hemoglobin synthesis occurs in the bone marrow and is stimulated by erythropoietin.
- Hemoglobin derivatives include:
- Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)
- Methemoglobin (MetHb)
Hematocrit and ESR
- Hematocrit is the proportion of RBCs in the blood.
- Hematocrit determination is done using a microhematocrit centrifuge.
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is a measure of the rate at which RBCs settle at the bottom of a test tube.
Related Topics
- Rule of Three: a rough estimate of the RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
- Erythrocyte Indices: a set of calculated values that describe the size and hemoglobin content of RBCs.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): a measure of the rate at which RBCs settle at the bottom of a test tube.
Hemoglobinopathies
- Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin structure or function.
- Examples include:
- Sickle cell disease (HbS)
- Thalassemia (α-thalassemia, β-thalassemia)
Thalassemia
- Thalassemia is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production.
- Types of thalassemia include:
- α-thalassemia (defective α-globin chain synthesis)
- β-thalassemia (defective β-globin chain synthesis)
Hormones Related to Erythropoiesis
- Erythropoietin (EPO) is the chief stimulatory cytokine for RBCs.
- EPO is produced by the kidneys and stimulates the bone marrow to produce RBCs.
- Testosterone, growth hormone, and prolactin also stimulate erythropoiesis.
- Estrogen, on the other hand, inhibits erythropoiesis.
RBC Stages of Maturation
- BFU-E (Burst Forming Unit-Erythroid) is the earliest recognizable erythroid precursor.
- RBC maturation stages include:
- Rubriblast (Pronormoblast)
- Prorubricyte (Basophilic Normoblast)
- Rubricyte (Polychromatic Normoblast)
- Metarubricyte (Orthochromatic Normoblast)
- Reticulocyte (mature RBC)
Nomenclature Systems
-
There are three nomenclature systems used to describe RBC precursors:
- Rubriblast, Normoblast, Erythroblast
- Pronormoblast, Basophilic Normoblast, Polychromatic Normoblast, Orthochromatic Normoblast
- Rubricyte, Metarubricyte, Reticulocyte### Reticulocyte
-
An immature, non-nucleated RBC containing >2 blue-stained, granulofilamentous materials (reticulum) after supravital staining
-
Continues to generate hemoglobin (last stage of hemoglobin synthesis)
-
Normal maturation time in blood: 1 day
-
Production of reticulocytes: 50 x 10^9/L/day
Reticulocyte Count
- Permits effective assessment of RBC production by the bone marrow
- Reference ranges:
- Adults: 0.5-1.5%
- Newborns: 1.8-5.8% (by 1-2 weeks of age, reference values are the same as for adults)
Reticulocytosis
- Increased reticulocyte count, considered as the first sign of accelerated erythropoiesis
- Observed in hemolytic anemias, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and in acute and chronic blood loss
Mature Erythrocyte
- Shape: biconcave disk
- Thickness: 1.5-2.5 um
- Normal ratio of RBCs to WBCs: approximately 600:1
- Normal ratio of RBCs to Platelets: approximately 15:1
Methods of Counting Reticulocytes
- Routine Light Microscope Method
- Calibrated Miller Disk Method
- Flow Cytometry
Reticulocyte Count Calculation
- Total Reticulocytes observed / Total RBCs counted x 100
Corrected Reticulocyte Count (CRC)
- Corrects for the degree of anemia
- Formula: CRC = Reticulocyte count (%) x 0.45 L/L (Hct)
Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC)
- Actual number of reticulocytes in 1 liter of whole blood
- Formula: ARC = Reticulocyte count (%) x RBC count (x10^9/L)
Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI)
- Provides a further refinement of the CRC
- Calculation: RPI = CRC x Maturation time (in days)
Anemias
- Hemolytic anemia: ARC and IRF increase
- Chronic renal disease: ARC and IRF decrease
- Nutritional anemia: ARC and IRF may increase or decrease
Red Blood Cell Inclusions
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Howell-Jolly bodies: nuclear fragments
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Heinz bodies: denatured and precipitated hemoglobin
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Pappenheimer bodies: hemosiderin in the mitochondria
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Hemoglobin H: greenish-blue bodies### Abnormal Red Blood Cells
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Spherocytes: almost spherical in shape, lack central pallor, hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, burns, ABO HDN, and transfusion of stored blood
-
Ovalocytes: oval-shaped RBCs, hereditary ovalocytosis, Southeast Asian ovalocytosis
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Elliptocytes: elliptical (cigar-shaped) RBCs, hereditary elliptocytosis, thalassemia, Mediterranean anemia
Stomatocytes
- Hereditary stomatocytosis
- Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis
- Xerocytes: dehydrated form of stomatocytes, appear to have puddled at one hand (half-dark, half-light), abetalipoproteinemia, McLeod syndrome
- Dacryocytes: pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped RBCs, primary myelofibrosis (PMF), myeloid metaplasia, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis
Acanthocytes
- Irregularly spiculated surface, "Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome" and hereditary acanthocytosis
- Characterized by defective apo B synthesis, VLDL, LDL, chylomicron not found in plasma, McLeod syndrome, pyruvate kinase deficiency
Drepanocytes
- Sickle- or crescent-shaped RBCs, sickle cell anemia, hemoglobin SC disease, etc.
- Two forms of drepanocytes: 1) ISC (irreversible sickle cells) with crescent-shaped projections, 2) OAT-shaped cells with less pronounced projections
Schistocytes
- Fragmented RBCs, patients with artificial heart valves, uremia, severe burns, microangiopathic hemolytic anemias (MAHAs)
- Characterized by RBC fragmentation and thrombocytopenia, major MAHAs include TTP, HELLP, HUS, and DIC
Leptocytes
- RBCs with a centrally stained area with a thin outer rim of hemoglobin, liver disease, certain hemoglobinopathies, thalassemia, Mediterranean anemia
Other Abnormalities
- Bite cells: demonstrate a semicircular defect in their edge, resembles a bite mark, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency
- Biscuit cells: folded RBCs, hemoglobin SC disease
- Semilunar bodies: as large as leukocytes, pale-pink staining ghost of the red cell, malaria and other conditions causing overt hemolysis
- Bronze elliptocytes: bipolar/central distribution of Hgb, sickle cell anemia
- RBC inclusion bodies: basophilic stippling, aggregated RNA, Wright stain (deep blue to purple), lead poisoning, arsenic poisoning, pyrimidine-5'-nucleotidase deficiency, anemias with ineffective erythropoiesis
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Test your knowledge of red blood cells, including their formation, characteristics, and related disorders. Learn about erythropoiesis, anemia, and more.