Hematology - CBC / RBC Morphology / Cell Counting

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to hematology, specifically focusing on the complete blood count, red blood cell morphology, and cell counting techniques.

Hemoglobin concentration ([Hgb])

The measure of the amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of blood.

Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

A measure of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Anisocytosis

Abnormal variation in red blood cell size.

Hypochromasia

Decreased density or hemoglobin color in red blood cells, often seen in iron deficiency anemia.

Polychromatophils

Slightly immature red blood cells that are released into circulation; may indicate anemic conditions.

Shistocytes

Fragmented red blood cells associated with membrane damage.

Rouleaux formation

Stacks or rolls of red blood cells often seen in certain species as a result of high concentrations of abnormal globulins.

Autoagglutination

Clumping of red blood cells due to coating by antibodies in immune-mediated disorders.

Spherocytes

Red blood cells that are spherical instead of the normal discoid shape, often indicating hemolytic anemia.

Nucleated RBCs (nRBC)

Immature red blood cells released prematurely from the bone marrow, often seen in anemic conditions.

Basophilic stripping

Small dark blue bodies within red blood cells that represent residual RNA, often seen in lead poisoning.

Cytauxzoon felis

A protozoan parasite that is fatal in cats, transmitted by ticks and affecting red blood cells.

Total RBC Count

The total number of red blood cells in a specified volume of blood.

Electronic Cell Counting

A method of counting blood cells using machines that detect resistance changes as cells pass through an aperture.

Hemocytometer

A specialized microscope slide used for manually counting blood cells.

Howell-Jolly bodies

Small remnants of a nucleus that represent defects in blood cell production and are typically removed by the spleen.

Echinocyte

Red blood cells with spiculated projections commonly associated with in-vitro changes.