Hematology Review for Medical Technology Exam

These flashcards cover key concepts and information from the Hematology Reviewer notes, and serve as a study aid for the exam.

What is erythropoiesis?

The process by which erythrocytes (red blood cells) are produced.

Where do red blood cells develop?

In the bone marrow as erythroblastic islands.

What role do macrophages play in erythropoiesis?

They supply developing red cells with iron for hemoglobin synthesis.

During which stage is the nucleus extruded to form a reticulocyte?

After maturation from pronormoblast to orthochromic normoblast.

What are reticulocytes?

Immature red blood cells that remain in the bone marrow for 2-3 days before being released into circulation.

What are the reference ranges for reticulocytes in adults?

0.5-1.5%.

What is the function of erythropoietin (EPO)?

It stimulates the proliferation, growth, and differentiation of erythroid precursors in response to hypoxia.

What are the necessary substances for red cell production?

Iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid.

What is the life span of a red blood cell?

120 days.

What is the general appearance of a normal erythrocyte?

A non-nucleated, slightly round cell.

What are the stages of erythrocyte maturation?

Pronormoblast, basophilic normoblast, polychromatic normoblast, orthochromic normoblast, metarubricyte, reticulocyte, erythrocyte.

What is anemia?

A condition characterized by a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Name one inherited hemolytic anemia.

Sickle cell anemia.

What laboratory test is used to assess hemostasis?

Bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

What does a prolonged PT indicate?

Possible deficiencies in extrinsic pathway factors (II, V, VII, X) or vitamin K deficiency.

What is the function of von Willebrand Factor (vWF)?

It acts as a carrier for factor VIII and aids in platelet adhesion.

What is the cause of hemophilia A?

Factor VIII deficiency.

What is the primary treatment for thrombocytopenia?

Address the underlying cause, platelet transfusions in cases of severe bleeding.

What are the common causes of thrombocytopenia?

Decreased production, increased destruction, or abnormal distribution of platelets.

What does DIC stand for?

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.

What are symptoms of primary hemostasis defect?

Easy bruising, mucosal bleeding, and petechiae.

What type of anemia is characterized by microcytic hypochromic cells?

Iron Deficiency Anemia.

What does the term anisocytosis refer to?

Variation in red blood cell size.

What is the difference between an intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathway?

Intrinsic pathway is activated by damage to blood vessels; extrinsic pathway is activated by tissue factor released from damaged tissues.

What is the function of antithrombin III?

Inhibit thrombin and factor Xa to help regulate coagulation.

What are the symptoms of acute leukemia?

Fatigue, fever, spontaneous bleeding, and recurrent infections.

What is a schistocyte?

A fragmented red blood cell often seen in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.

What does a prolonged APTT indicate?

A prolonged Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) indicates a deficiency or dysfunction in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, which can involve factors such as Factor VIII, IX, XI, and XII. This delay in clotting time can suggest conditions like hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or the presence of lupus anticoagulant.