Hematology and Blood Analysis Flashcards
6 cards from real Laboratory Science 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 and Blood Analysis flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the reticulocyte count in hematology?
Answer: Assess bone marrow erythropoietic activity
Reticulocyte count reflects the rate of RBC production by bone marrow; elevated counts indicate accelerated erythropoiesis in response to anemia or blood loss.
Which tube color is used for coagulation studies (PT/aPTT) in the US?
Answer: Light blue/sodium citrate
Light blue tubes contain sodium citrate (3.2%), which chelates calcium to prevent clotting; the 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio is critical for accurate coagulation testing.
What morphological change in RBCs is described as 'target cells' (codocytes)?
Answer: RBCs with a central dense area surrounded by a pale ring and a dense outer rim
Target cells have a bulls-eye appearance (central density, pale ring, dense rim) due to excess membrane relative to hemoglobin, seen in thalassemia and liver disease.
A patient with chronic kidney disease would most likely show which hematological finding?
Answer: Normochromic normocytic anemia due to decreased erythropoietin
Damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin (EPO), reducing RBC production and causing normochromic normocytic anemia of chronic kidney disease.
What is the order of blood tube draw for multiple specimens (correct order of draw)?
Answer: Citrate → SST/Gold → Heparin → EDTA
CLSI order of draw: Blood cultures → Citrate (blue) → SST/gold → Heparin (green) → EDTA (lavender) → Fluoride (gray) to prevent anticoagulant carryover.
Schistocytes (fragmented RBCs) on a peripheral smear are most associated with which condition?
Answer: Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (TTP/HUS)
Schistocytes form when RBCs are mechanically sheared by fibrin strands in small vessels, characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and HUS.