Red Cell Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to red cell disorders.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells.

Erythroblast

An immature red blood cell that differs from a mature red blood cell in that it still contains a nucleus.

Reticulocyte

An immature red blood cell, which is important to measure as it indicates the rate of red blood cell production.

Anaemia

A condition characterized by reduced oxygen carrying capacity resulting in insufficient tissue oxygenation.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

A measure of the average volume of a red blood cell, normal range is 84-102 fL.

Haemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; typically measured in grams per liter.

Ferritin

The main storage protein for iron, found in all cells, highest concentrations are in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Transferrin

A protein that transports iron in the blood to cells with transferrin receptors.

α-thalassaemia

Inherited condition characterized by reduced production of α globin chains.

β-thalassaemia

Inherited condition characterized by reduced production of β globin chains.

Megaloblastic Anaemia

A type of anaemia caused by faulty DNA synthesis, often due to deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate.

Hb S

The abnormal hemoglobin associated with sickle cell disease, caused by a mutation in the beta globin gene.

Hepcidin

A liver-produced protein that regulates iron transfer to the plasma based on iron levels and stores.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)

A type of anaemia caused by a lack of iron.

Target Cells

Red blood cells that have a target-like appearance seen in certain types of anaemia.

Hypochromic

Referring to red blood cells that have reduced color due to low hemoglobin content.

Blood Film

Diagnostic test that examines the morphology of blood cells.

FBC (Full Blood Count)

A common blood test that counts all types of cells in the blood.

Vitamin B12

A vitamin essential for normal blood production and nerve function.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

A genetic disorder caused by the inheritance of two sickle hemoglobin genes, leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells.