Laboratory Science Hematology and Blood Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) typically indicate?
- Normal physiological state
- Increased presence of inflammation or infection (Correct answer)
- Decreased platelet count
- Iron overload
Correct answer: Increased presence of inflammation or infection
An elevated ESR reflects increased fibrinogen and other acute-phase proteins that cause RBCs to stack (rouleaux) and settle faster, indicating inflammation.
Question 2: Which coagulation pathway is measured by the PT (prothrombin time) test?
- Intrinsic pathway
- Extrinsic pathway (Correct answer)
- Common pathway only
- Fibrinolytic pathway
Correct answer: Extrinsic pathway
PT measures the extrinsic coagulation pathway (tissue factor/factor VII initiation) and the common pathway, and is reported as PT or INR.
Question 3: A differential WBC count showing 85% neutrophils in an adult patient most likely suggests which condition?
- Viral infection
- Allergic reaction
- Bacterial infection (Correct answer)
- Parasitic infestation
Correct answer: Bacterial infection
Neutrophilia (>70% neutrophils) is a classic response to acute bacterial infections, as neutrophils are the primary phagocytic defenders against bacteria.
Question 4: What is the normal platelet count range in adults?
- 50,000–100,000/µL
- 150,000–400,000/µL (Correct answer)
- 500,000–800,000/µL
- 1,000,000–1,500,000/µL
Correct answer: 150,000–400,000/µL
The normal platelet count is 150,000–400,000/µL; counts below 150,000/µL indicate thrombocytopenia and counts above 400,000/µL indicate thrombocytosis.
Question 5: Which blood cell type is elevated in allergic reactions and parasitic infections?
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils (Correct answer)
- Basophils
Correct answer: Eosinophils
Eosinophils contain granules with antiparasitic proteins and are involved in IgE-mediated allergic responses, causing eosinophilia in both conditions.
Question 6: What does a high MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) in a blood sample indicate?
- Microcytic anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Spherocytosis or technical error (hemolysis) (Correct answer)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Correct answer: Spherocytosis or technical error (hemolysis)
An elevated MCHC above 36 g/dL suggests spherocytosis (where cells are small and dense) or in vitro hemolysis causing falsely elevated readings.
Laboratory Science Hematology and Blood Analysis 2
What does an elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) typically indicate?