Assessment of Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, and Platelets

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the assessment of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets in laboratory settings.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response, defending the body against infections.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A comprehensive blood test that provides information on the levels of different blood cells, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.

Hemocytometer

A device used to count blood cells manually by diluting and examining a blood specimen.

Reticulocyte Count

A measure of the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood, indicating bone marrow activity.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

A measure of the average volume of a red blood cell, used to classify anemias.

MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)

The average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell, used to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

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

Anemia

A condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin concentration, leading to reduced oxygen transport.

Pancytopenia

A medical condition characterized by the reduction of all types of blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets).

Hypoproliferative Disorders

Conditions characterized by decreased production of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Peripheral Blood Film

A laboratory test where a drop of blood is spread on a slide and stained to examine the morphology of blood cells under a microscope.

Bone Marrow Examination

A procedure to assess the health of bone marrow and diagnose conditions related to blood cell production.

Chronic Blood Loss Anemia

Anemia that develops as a result of continuous loss of small volumes of blood over time.

Acute Blood Loss Anemia

Anemia resulting from a rapid and significant loss of blood volume, often due to trauma.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A type of anemia caused by insufficient iron for hemoglobin production, often due to chronic blood loss or inadequate dietary intake.

Sickle Cell Disease

A hereditary blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin (Hb S), leading to distorted, sickle-shaped red blood cells.