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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. A reticulocyte count of 8% in a patient with hemolytic anemia indicates:

    Answer: Appropriate bone marrow response

    An elevated reticulocyte count in hemolytic anemia indicates the bone marrow is compensating by increasing red cell production.

  2. Which stain is used to identify reticulocytes in a blood smear?

    Answer: New methylene blue

    New methylene blue (supravital stain) precipitates residual RNA in reticulocytes, making them visible as blue-stained cells.

  3. What does MCV measure?

    Answer: Average volume of a single red blood cell

    MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) measures the average size (volume) of individual red blood cells in femtoliters.

  4. Schistocytes (red cell fragments) on a peripheral smear are MOST suggestive of:

    Answer: Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

    Schistocytes result from mechanical fragmentation of RBCs in conditions like TTP, HUS, and DIC (microangiopathic hemolytic anemias).

  5. Which platelet count threshold typically requires transfusion to prevent spontaneous bleeding?

    Answer: Below 20,000/μL

    Platelet counts below 20,000/μL are associated with risk of spontaneous bleeding and often require prophylactic platelet transfusion.

  6. Heinz bodies in red blood cells are composed of:

    Answer: Denatured hemoglobin

    Heinz bodies are inclusions of denatured, precipitated hemoglobin, seen in G6PD deficiency and oxidative hemolysis.

  7. Which condition causes a decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?

    Answer: Polycythemia vera

    Polycythemia vera decreases ESR because the increased RBC mass inhibits rouleaux formation and settling.