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Hematology Basics Flashcards

7 cards from real CMLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which white blood cell is the first to respond to a bacterial infection?

    Answer: Neutrophil

    Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infection due to their rapid migration and phagocytic ability.

  2. What is the normal lifespan of a red blood cell in circulation?

    Answer: 120 days

    Red blood cells have a normal lifespan of approximately 120 days before being removed by the spleen.

  3. Which organelle is absent in mature red blood cells?

    Answer: Nucleus

    Mature red blood cells lack a nucleus, which was extruded during the final stages of erythropoiesis.

  4. The MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) is calculated by dividing:

    Answer: Hemoglobin by hematocrit × 100

    MCHC is calculated as (Hemoglobin / Hematocrit) × 100, expressing average hemoglobin concentration per unit volume of red cells.

  5. A patient's blood smear shows target cells (codocytes). Which condition is MOST associated with this finding?

    Answer: Hemoglobin C disease

    Target cells are classically associated with hemoglobin C disease, thalassemia, and liver disease.

  6. Which test measures the ability of red blood cells to change shape under fluid stress?

    Answer: Osmotic fragility test

    The osmotic fragility test measures RBC ability to withstand hypotonic solutions, reflecting membrane integrity and deformability.

  7. What is the primary function of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) in red blood cells?

    Answer: Decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen

    2,3-BPG binds to deoxyhemoglobin and decreases its oxygen affinity, facilitating oxygen release to tissues.