Hematology 2 Review - RBC

What is this RBC formation called?

Explain:

Rouleaux

4 or more RBCs clustered together imitating a stack of coins.

When is Rouleaux seen?

In what species is rouleaux normally seen?

It is often seen in conditions such as multiple myeloma and inflammation.

Normal in Horses.

What is this RBC formation?

Explain:

Agglutination

Grape like clusters of RBCs, with antibodies.

What causes agglutination?

Most common cause is AIHA and Intra-AIHA.

What RBC morphology is the left cell showing?

Explain:

The left RBC is hypochromic.

Diameter of clear central area, greater than 1/3 of the cell. This indicates a deficiency in hemoglobin.

When is hypochromasia seen?

Hypochromasia is seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia and is commonly associated with microcytosis.

What is the morphology of this cell?

Explain:

Polychromatophil

Young RBC w/out nucleus, that is pale blue due to remnants of RNA. Can be quite pale in appearance.

When can we see polychromasia?

Regenerative anemias w/in 3-5 days and immune hemolytic anemia.

What RBC morphology is present in this field?

Explain:

Anisocytosis

Variation in size of RBCs.

What is Poikilocytosis?

Poikilocytosis is a term used to describe variation in cell shape.

What is this cell morphology?

Explain:

Spherocytes

RBC which is lacking central pallor.

When can shperocytes be seen?

Can be seen with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

What is this RBC morphology?

When can it be seen?

Echinocytes

Can be seen w/ severe renal disease and feline liver disease.

(If crenated, can be seen w/ dehydradtion and/or old sample)

What is this RBC morphology?

When can it be seen?

Acanthocytes

Can be seen w/ hemangiosarcoma, liver disease, DIC, vasculitis and/or iron deficiency anema.

What is this RBC morphology?

When can it be seen?

What species can it normally be seen in?

Howell-Jolly Bodies

Can be seen as a sign of RBC regenerative anemia.

Can be seen normally in cats and horses.

What is this RBC morphology?

What can it be seen in?

Basophilic stippling

Can be seen prominantly in lead and arsenic poisoning, sign of RBC regenerative anemia.

What is this RBC morphology?

When can it be seen?

Heinz Bodies

Seen in oxidative damage w/ eccentrocytes.

What is this RBC morphology?

When can it be seen?

Eccentrocytes

Can be seen in oxidative damage w/ Heinz Bodies.

What are the two different hemolytic anemias?

Intravascular hemolysis

Extravascular hemolysis

Define Intravascular Hemolysis:

Destruction of RBC w/in the blood stream.

Define Extravascular Hemolysis:

Macrophages, mainly in the spleen, but also liver and/or bone marrow.

Name 4 RBC morphologies than indicate cell regeneration.

Polychromatophils

NRBCs (Metarubicytes)

Basophilic stippling

Howell-Jolly Bodies