Burr Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Burr and links to relevant pages within the course.

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CLIA Hematology / Hemostasis Review
What best describes the cells seen in this illustration:	View Page
The abnormal RBC shape seen in this illustration is:	View Page
The abnormal RBC shape seen in this illustration is:	View Page

Red Cell Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions
Match the red cell shapes in each frame of the photograph with its most likely corresponding clinical condition.	View Page
The erythrocyte at the tip of the arrow is an echinocycte (burr cell).	View Page
The peripheral blood picture shown in the photograph is most consistent with an artifact of smear preparation.	View Page
Cardiac hemolysis (Waring Blender Effect) Two photographs of a peripheral blood smear are submitted for review . The smears are from a 9-month-old baby with a heart valve replacement. In the upper photograph is a nucleated RBC and platelets are decreased. Nucleated red cells and occasional giant platelets indicate an active marrow response. In the process of forcing blood cells through the heart valve, erythrocytes are damaged, schistocytes are formed, and platelets are destroyed leading to thrombocytopenia. In the lower field are schistocytes, acanthocytes, echinocytes (burr cells), spherocytes, and the absence of platelets. The presence of burr cells could represent an artifact of smear preparation, but with the history of valve replacement, the red cell changes are likely the result of red cell damage as the cells circulate through the new valve. This situation is described as Waring Blender Effect because of damage to blood cells passing through the new valve, looking as if they had suffered the onslaught of a blender. Target cells and mild hypochromia may reflect iron deficiency through the loss of iron from destruction of RBC's. Iron loss through red cell destruction may be reflected in some hypochromia.	View Page
The photograph here is of a peripheral smear sent for hematologic review. No clinical information for the patient was sent with the slide. What is the first course of action that the reviewer should take to assist him/her in interpreting the findings on this blood smear?	View Page
Reporting of laboratory data in regard to blood cell abnormalities Laboratory data must be presented to clinicians in a user friendly way to promote effective decision making. Databases must be designed to provide clear information that leads quickly to the best patient care outcome. We continue learning how to collect and retrieve laboratory data from our machines, but we are not always in tune to how entry and retrieval of data is geared to and, more directly, influences patient care outcomes. Examples of blood cell abnormalities on a peripheral blood smear that may immediately direct the physician to a specific diagnosis are: (1) presence of target cells as found in thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies and target cells in liver disease, particularly with obstructive jaundice; (2) burr cells as a signal of chronic renal disease and uremia; and (3)atypical neutrophil inclusions relating to genetic disorders. Critical appraisal of such observations could add valuable clues for a diagnosis. Laboratory professionals must establish a set of principles for orderly observation of blood cell morphology, have a clear vision of the applications of their work, and understand the potential clinical implications of their reports and interpretations. Emphasis on values and relevance focuses on patient care outcomes and their dependency on prompt availability of results and contextual interpretations.	View Page
After a review of the peripheral smear represented by this photomicrograph, which report is the most appropriate for documentation of the findings?	View Page
You have been asked to review a peripheral blood smear. You note >10/OIF (oil immersion field) echinocytes (burr cells). Which of the following actions would be the most appropriate response?	View Page

Red Cell Morphology
The cell in the center of this slide is a/an:	View Page
Which of the following forms is seen in this field?	View Page
Match the forms of poikilocytosis on the left with the physiological/environmental condition associated with their formation on the right:	View Page
Synonym for echinocytes The synonyms for echinocytes are burr cells and crenated cells.	View Page
The predominant abnormal forms seen in this field are:	View Page