Hematology Flashcards
6 cards from real ASCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Hematology flashcards as text
Sickle cell disease is caused by a substitution of which amino acid in the beta-globin chain?
Answer: Valine for glutamic acid at position 6
In sickle cell disease, valine substitutes for glutamic acid at position 6 of the beta-globin chain.
What is the function of the reticuloendothelial system in red blood cell destruction?
Answer: Removes senescent RBCs via phagocytosis
The reticuloendothelial system (spleen, liver, bone marrow macrophages) phagocytizes and destroys aging red blood cells.
Which finding on a CBC is most indicative of hemolytic anemia?
Answer: Increased reticulocyte count
An elevated reticulocyte count reflects increased bone marrow production in response to accelerated RBC destruction.
Which stain is used to identify reticulocytes on a peripheral smear?
Answer: New methylene blue stain
New methylene blue is a supravital stain that precipitates residual RNA in reticulocytes, making them visible.
A patient has an MCV of 110 fL. Which condition is most likely?
Answer: Vitamin B12 deficiency
An elevated MCV >100 fL indicates macrocytic anemia, most commonly caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Which leukemia is characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion)?
Answer: Chronic myelogenous leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is defined by the t(9;22) translocation creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene.