Red Blood Cell Indices Sources of Error

Flashcards based on the sources of error in red blood cell indices discussed in the lecture.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

A measure of the average volume of a red blood cell.

Autoagglutination

The clumping together of cells, particularly red blood cells, caused by specific antibodies.

Cold agglutinin disease

A type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells at low temperatures.

Paraproteinemia

A condition characterized by the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood, often affecting MCV readings.

Hyperglycemia

A condition resulting from high blood sugar levels that can cause osmotic swelling of red blood cells.

Leukocytosis

An increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, which can spuriously elevate MCV.

MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)

A measure of the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.

Hyperlipidemia

An increased concentration of lipids in the blood, which can falsely elevate MCH and MCHC.

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

The average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.

Hereditary spherocytosis

A genetic condition characterized by the presence of spherical red blood cells that can affect MCHC readings.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells which can lead to falsely elevated MCHC values.

Ictericia (Jaundice)

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels, potentially affecting blood indices.