CAP Pro Course - Hematology - Erythrocyte Morphology

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Author: Rebecca J. Laudicina, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Margaret A. Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP)

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify clinically relevant erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities and correlate peripheral blood smear findings to data obtained from the automated blood count.
  • Associate erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities with clinical conditions.
  • List specimen requirements for accurate erythrocyte morphology assessment and recognize artifactual changes due to suboptimal specimens.

Course Outline

  • Identify clinically relevant erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities and correlate peripheral blood smear findings to data obtained from the automated blood count.
      • Normal Erythrocyte Morphology
      • Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell) Size Variation
      • Table 1. Erythrocyte Size Variation
      • Erythrocyte Distribution Curve and Red Cell Distribution Width
      • Erythrocyte Shape Variation
      • Table 2. Clinically Significant Poikilocytes
      • Table 3. Poikilocytes of Possible Clinical Significance
      • Erythrocyte Color Variation
      • Erythrocyte Color Variation, continued
      • Table 4. Erythrocyte Color Variation
      • Erythrocyte Arrangement Variation
      • Table 5. Erythrocyte Arrangement Variation
      • How is a normal, mature erythrocyte most accurately described when observed on a stained blood smear?
      • Which of these erythrocyte indices is most likely directly correlated with many microcytes on a blood smear?
      • Martin is 65-year-old retiree seeing a primary care physician for his first Medicare health assessment. He states he believes he’s generally in ...
      • What is the cell indicated by the arrow in the image to the right?
  • Associate erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities with clinical conditions.
      • Tables 6-9. Association of Erythrocyte Morphology with Clinical Conditions
      • A specimen was obtained in the emergency department from a young man severely burned in a fireworks accident. Which poikilocytes are you likely to see...
      • You observed cells indicated by the arrow in multiple fields on a patient's blood smear. Which disorders are associated with the presence of these cel...
      • A 2-year-old girl is brought to a walk-in clinic with complaints of lethargy, pain, and fever. The family was recently relocated as political refugees...
      • A 5-year-old child was admitted to the hospital from the emergency department. His parents stated that he had been healthy until approximately one wee...
  • List specimen requirements for accurate erythrocyte morphology assessment and recognize artifactual changes due to sub-optimal specimens.
      • Sample Requirements
      • Suboptimal Specimens
      • Peripheral Blood Smear Requirements
      • Spurious Results
      • Which situation would cause you to reject a blood specimen needing a smear review?
      • How would you describe the appearance of a microscopic field on a blood smear that is acceptable for evaluating erythrocyte morphology?
      • A markedly underfilled lavender top (EDTA) tube for a stat CBC was received from the emergency department. Your laboratory’s policies permit run...
      • You are examining a blood smear under high magnification (1000x) and notice that the red blood cells appear crowded and possibly abnormally arranged. ...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Intermediate
Intended Audience:  This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information:  Rebecca J. Laudicina, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM is Professor Emeritus in the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine. She obtained a Master of Education and PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University. She is the author of numerous publications, including many in the field of hematology.
Reviewer Information:  Margaret Reinhart, MS, M(LSASCP) is the MLS Program Director and Senior lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia PA where she teaches hematology, clinical immunology, parasitology, and other related courses. She is also adjunct instructor in Hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia PA. She holds a Masters Degree in Biology and in Health Care Administration.
 

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