CMLA Hematology Basics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of anemia is characterized by hypersegmented neutrophils on a peripheral blood smear?
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia (Correct answer)
- Aplastic anemia
Correct answer: Megaloblastic anemia
Megaloblastic anemia (due to B12 or folate deficiency) causes hypersegmented neutrophils with 5 or more lobes.
Question 2: The Wintrobe hematocrit method uses a tube that is centrifuged for how long?
- 5 minutes at 1,000 rpm
- 30 minutes at 3,000 rpm (Correct answer)
- 10 minutes at 2,000 rpm
- 60 minutes at 5,000 rpm
Correct answer: 30 minutes at 3,000 rpm
The Wintrobe method requires centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 30 minutes to separate blood components.
Question 3: Which cell type is elevated in allergic reactions and parasitic infections?
- Neutrophil
- Basophil
- Monocyte
- Eosinophil (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Eosinophil
Eosinophilia occurs in allergic conditions and parasitic infections due to their role in these immune responses.
Question 4: What does a left shift in the WBC differential indicate?
- Increased mature lymphocytes
- Increased immature neutrophils (bands) (Correct answer)
- Decreased total WBC count
- Increased eosinophils
Correct answer: Increased immature neutrophils (bands)
A left shift indicates the presence of increased band neutrophils or earlier precursors, often indicating severe bacterial infection.
Question 5: Which hemoglobin type is predominant in normal adults?
- Hemoglobin A2
- Hemoglobin F
- Hemoglobin A (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin S
Correct answer: Hemoglobin A
Hemoglobin A (alpha2beta2) makes up approximately 95-98% of normal adult hemoglobin.
Question 6: Rouleaux formation on a blood smear is MOST commonly associated with:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Multiple myeloma (Correct answer)
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
Correct answer: Multiple myeloma
Rouleaux (stacked coin appearance of RBCs) is most commonly caused by elevated plasma proteins, as seen in multiple myeloma.
Question 7: Which anticoagulant is preferred for platelet function studies?
- EDTA
- Sodium citrate (Correct answer)
- Heparin
- Sodium fluoride
Correct answer: Sodium citrate
Sodium citrate is the preferred anticoagulant for platelet aggregation and coagulation studies.
CMLA Hematology Basics 3
Which type of anemia is characterized by hypersegmented neutrophils on a peripheral blood smear?