Anemias (Chapter 6)

Anemia

Associated with decreased levels of RBCs hemoglobin (Hgb) & and hematocrit (Hct)

What is hematocrit?

Measure of how much of the blood’s volume is made up by RBCs (a percentage)

What is the Hgb levels in females with anemia?

<12 g/dL

What is the Hgb levels in males with anemia?

<14 g/dL

What is the first bone marrow anemia classification?

Hypo-proliferative (decreased production)

What is the second classification of bone marrow anemia?

Hemolytic (accelerated destruction)

What is the MCV (Mean Copruscular Volume)

Average size (volume) of RBCs (fL-femtoliters)

What is the MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)

The average amount (mass) of hemoglobin per RBC (pg-pictograms)

What is the MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

Average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed RBCs (g/dL)

What is RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)

Reflects the variation in RBC size (percentage)

Reticulocyte count

Helps determine how well the bone marrow is responding to anemia

A high reticulocyte count means:

The marrow is actively producing new RBCs (as in hemolysis or blood loss)

A low reticulocyte count suggests:

The marrow isn’t making enough RBCs (as in aplastic anemia or nutrient deficiencies)

The normal adult values of reticulocytes are:

0.5-2.0%

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Used in the overall estimate of bone marrow cellularity