CAP Pro Course - Hematology - Erythrocyte Morphology (2025 & 2026)

Author: Rebecca J. Laudicina, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify clinically relevant erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities and correlate peripheral blood smear findings to data obtained from the automated blood count.
  • Associate erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities with clinical conditions.
  • List specimen requirements for accurate erythrocyte morphology assessment and recognize artifactual changes due to suboptimal specimens.

Course Outline

  • Identify clinically relevant erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities and correlate peripheral blood smear findings to data obtained from the automated blood count.
      • Normal Erythrocyte Morphology
      • Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell) Size Variation
      • Table 1. Erythrocyte Size Variation
      • Erythrocyte Distribution Curve and Red Cell Distribution Width
      • Erythrocyte Shape Variation
      • Table 2. Clinically Significant Poikilocytes
      • Table 3. Poikilocytes of Possible Clinical Significance
      • Erythrocyte Color Variation
      • Erythrocyte Color Variation, continued
      • Table 4. Erythrocyte Color Variation
      • Erythrocyte Arrangement Variation
      • Table 5. Erythrocyte Arrangement Variation
      • Karen is a 54-year-old woman previously treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for breast cancer. She has returned for a post-treatment app...
      • A 2-year-old girl is brought to a walk-in clinic with complaints of lethargy, pain, and fever. The family was recently relocated as political refugees...
      • Jerry is a 62-year-old military veteran who has been living on and off the streets of a small city for many years. He was brought to the ED of a VA ho...
      • Identify the abnormal erythrocytes observed on this blood smear. Consider all cells in the entire field.
  • Associate erythrocyte morphologic abnormalities with clinical conditions.
      • Tables 6-9. Association of Erythrocyte Morphology with Clinical Conditions
      • Karen is a 54-year-old woman previously treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for breast cancer. She has returned for a post-treatment app...
      • Martin is a 65-year-old retiree seeing a primary care physician for his first Medicare health assessment. He states he believes he’s generally i...
      • In performing a smear review of a sample from a 51-year-old man, you observed erythrocytes shown in this image. What explanation is most likely for th...
      • Britnee, a 27-year-old woman, was transported by ambulance to the local hospital emergency department (ED). She had become noticeably ill during a fit...
  • List specimen requirements for accurate erythrocyte morphology assessment and recognize artifactual changes due to sub-optimal specimens.
      • Sample Requirements
      • Sample Requirements, continued
      • Suboptimal Specimens
      • Peripheral Blood Smear Requirements
      • Spurious Results
      • A lavender-top evacuated tube is received from the emergency department (ED) with an order for a CBC. The tube has approximately 0.5 mL of blood. The ...
      • A lavender-top evacuated tube is received from the emergency department (ED) with an order for a CBC. The tube has approximately 0.5 mL of blood. The ...
      • What is the optimal anticoagulant for accuracy in identifying and sizing red cells on smears?
      • Upon reviewing a stained peripheral blood smear from an outpatient clinic blood sample, you notice that the majority of the erythrocytes are bluish-gr...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Rebecca J. Laudicina, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, is Professor Emeritus in the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine. She obtained a Master of Education and a PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University. She is the author of numerous publications, including many in the field of hematology.
Reviewer Information: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as an Education Developer. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
 

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