RBC Shapes
These RBCs are crescent or boat-shaped.
What are drepanocytes?
These DNA remnants are commonly seen after splenectomy.
What are Howell Jolly bodies?
This index represents average RBC size.
What is MCV?
This is the most common microcytic hypochromic anemia.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
This RBC arrangement resembles stacks of coins.
What is rouleaux?
These RBCs resemble a bull’s-eye.
What are target cells?
These inclusions are composed of aggregated ribosomes and are classically associated with lead poisoning.
What is basophilic stippling?
An MCV less than 80 fL indicates this type of anemia.
What is microcytic anemia?
This anemia classically shows hypersegmented neutrophils.
What is megaloblastic anemia?
This RBC morphology is strongly associated with kidney disease.
What are burr cells (echinocytes)?
These fragmented RBCs are associated with DIC, TTP, and HUS.
What are schistocytes?
When these form, the spleen may bite them out (creating "bite cells") or destroy the entire red blood cell, depleting your blood supply.
What are Heinz bodies?
This RBC index is typically elevated in hereditary spherocytosis
What is MCHC?
This anemia is associated with elevated HbF and target cells.
What is β-thalassemia major?
This finding suggests splenic dysfunction or absence of spleen function.
What are Howell Jolly bodies?
These cells lack central pallor and are commonly seen in hereditary spherocytosis.
What are spherocytes?
These dark blue inclusions are most commonly associated with sideroblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and post-splenectomy states.
What are Pappenheimer bodies?
A patient has an HCT of 36% and an RBC count of 4.0 × 10¹²/L. Calculate the MCV.
What is 90 fL?
This anemia commonly shows spherocytes and a positive DAT.
What is autoimmune hemolytic anemia?
This peripheral smear finding is a major clue for microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.
What are schistocytes?
These cells have irregularly spaced projections and are strongly associated with severe liver disease.
What are acanthocytes?
These figure-8 shaped inclusions are associated with megaloblastic anemia.
What are Cabot rings?
A patient has a hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and a hematocrit of 36%. Calculate the MCHC.
What is 33.3 g/dL?
A newborn has severe anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, hydrops fetalis, and hemoglobin electrophoresis showing predominantly Hb Bart’s (γ4)
What is alpha thalassemia major (Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis)?
This anemia may initially appear normocytic normochromic immediately after hemorrhage.
What is acute blood loss anemia?