Hematological System Diseases

Hematocrit

Measures the percentage of blood consisting of RBCs

Macrocytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by large RBCs; often results from a decreased ability to synthesize new cells and DNA

Microcytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by small RBCs; results from impaired heme synthesis

Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia resulting from a deficiency or excess of vitamin E

Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia

Anemia resulting from iron deficiency

Hemochromatosis

Condition where the body absorbs and stores excessive iron (often hereditary)

Plebotomy

Process that removes 500 mL of blood per week until lab results are normalized (hemochromatosis treatment)

Megaloblastic Anemia

Anemia characterized by large, immature, and abnormal RBC precursors in the bone marrow (often due to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency)

Atrophic Gastritis

Stomach inflammation that destroys parietal cells (and limits production of intrinsic factor)

Pernicious Anemia

Autoimmune disorder that attacks parietal cells of the stomach (often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency)