Hematology and Anemia: Blood Tests, Conditions, and Cell Morphology

Hematology:

The study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood disorders.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A panel of blood tests that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Hematocrit (Hct)

The percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells.

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron; reflects iron stores in the body

Transferrin

A protein that transports iron in the blood

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)

A measure of the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron; often increases in iron deficiency.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

The average size of red blood cells; used to classify anemia (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic).

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

The average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.

Macrocyte

larger-than-normal red blood cell, often seen in B12 or folate deficiency.

Macrocytic anemia

A type of anemia in which red blood cells are larger than normal (high MCV), often caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Microcyte

A smaller-than-normal red blood cell, commonly seen in iron deficiency anemia.

Microcytic anemia

A type of anemia in which red blood cells are smaller than normal (low MCV), most commonly caused by iron deficiency.

Normocytic anemia

A type of anemia in which red blood cells are normal in size (normal MCV) but reduced in number, commonly seen in chronic disease, acute blood loss, or kidney disease.

Megaloblast

An abnormally large, immature red blood cell precursor, typically due to B12 or folate deficiency.

Anisocytosis

Variation in red blood cell size

Poikilocytosis

Variation in red blood cell shape

Iron deficiency anemia

A condition caused by inadequate iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells.

Pernicious anemia

A type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption (often from lack of intrinsic factor).

Sickle cell anemia

A genetic disorder where red blood cells become crescent-shaped, leading to impaired oxygen delivery and vessel blockage.

Anemia of chronic disease

Anemia associated with chronic inflammation or illness, where iron is not effectively utilized despite normal or increased stores.

Hemolysis

The destruction of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream.

Hemoglobinuria

Presence of hemoglobin in the urine, often due to hemolysis.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin, often from red blood cell breakdown.

Purpura

Purple discoloration of the skin due to bleeding underneath, often related to platelet or clotting disorders.

Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

A nonspecific marker of inflammation that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells (especially immune cells) toward sites of infection or inflammation.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually caused by injury or trauma, resulting in swelling and discoloration (like a bruise).

Erythropenia

A condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells, which can contribute to anemia.