Describing a Red Blood Cell Population Using RBC Indices and Red Cell Distribution Width

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Author: Sheryl A. Whitlock, MA.Ed, MT(ASCP)BB
Reviewers: Barbara Cebulski, MS, MLS(ASCP) and Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MT(ASCP)

This course discusses the use of red cell indices and red cell distribution width to describe a population of red blood cells. The course provides information regarding interpretation of red cell histograms that are part of the automated cell count and correlations between indices, RDWs, and peripheral blood smear observations.

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify red blood cell (RBC) indices reported by automated cell counters.
  • Correlate observed RBC morphology to red cell indices reported by automated cell counters.
  • Apply red cell distribution data to the RBC population observed on the peripheral smear.
  • Correlate measured RBC indices to anemias.
  • Discuss the significance of delta checks in relation to RBC indices.

Course Outline

  • Definitions, calculations, and red cell distribution histogram interpretations
      • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices: Definitions and Calculations
      • Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Definition and Calculation
      • Interpretation of Red Blood Cell (RBC) Histograms
      • The hematology laboratory is experiencing instrument downtime. The laboratory has a back-up method for hemoglobin and hematocrit testing that is being...
      • Which of the following formulas will provide the value that reflects the average cell volume in a blood sample?
      • A complete blood count is performed. The white blood cell count is elevated, and a manual differential is required. The technologist evaluates the red...
      • A technologist is evaluating a blood smear. The technologist notices variability in cell size. Which parameter from the automated blood count would co...
  • Red blood cell morphology correlated with automated measured and calculated parameters
      • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Size Variation
      • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Correlated with Peripheral Smear
      • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Color Variation
      • RBC Size and Color Descriptions
      • Red Blood Cell Indices Correlated with Red Blood Cell Morphology, Summary
      • A technologist is working with a student on the teaching microscope. There is a micrometer for measurement of microscopic items. Each of the statement...
      • The image on the right is a representative field from a peripheral blood smear. What characteristics would describe the red cell distribution curve th...
      • The image on the right is a representative field from a peripheral blood smear. Which of the following MCV values correlates best with the peripheral ...
  • Using indices and RDW to morphologically classify anemias
      • Anemia Defined and Classified
      • Morphologic Classification of Anemias
      • Pathophysiologic Classification of Anemias
      • An 18-year-old female has a CBC performed as part of a routine physical exam. The following results are obtained and the physician determines she is a...
      • A patient presents with fatigue. The CBC results are:ParameterValueReference IntervalWhite blood cells (WBC)5.7 x 109/L4.0-10.0 x 109/LRed blood cells...
      • Match each anemia listed below with the mechanism for the anemia.
      • A patient presents with the following measured parameters on the complete blood count:ParameterValueReference IntervalWhite blood cells (WBC)5.6 x 109...
      • The image on the right is a representative field from a peripheral blood smear. What would you expect to see on the automated blood count?
  • The significance of delta checks as it relates to red blood cell indices.
      • Delta Check Alerts Using Red Blood Cell Indices
      • An automated CBC produced the following parameters:ParameterValueReference IntervalWhite blood cells (WBC)5.6 x 109/L4.0-10.0 x 109/LRed blood cells (...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
Intended audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, and MLS & MLT students.
 
Author information: Sheryl A. Whitlock, MA. Ed, MT(ASCP)BB is the owner of ARK Laboratory Consulting, LLC, and works as a technical consultant for various laboratories. Sheryl served as the laboratory coordinator for the Student Health Services Laboratory at the University of Delaware for 15 years. Sheryl received her Master’s degree in Education from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She has more than 35 years of experience in laboratory science, including management, education, and hands-on bench experience. She has written and published textbooks and laboratory manuals, as well as having contributed to numerous online and print articles in the field of laboratory medicine.
 
Reviewer information: Barbara Cebulski, MS, MLS(ASCP) has over 40 years of experience in the medical laboratory profession as a technologist, section supervisor, and laboratory manager. She was an Inspection and Technical Specialist for nine years with the College of American Pathologists in the Laboratory Accreditation Program and, until her retirement in 2015, was Program Director for MediaLab, Inc. Barbara holds a Masters in Instructional Technology from Georgia State University.
 
Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MT(ASCP), has over 20 years of experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is the former Director of Clinical Laboratory Technology and Medical Laboratory Technician Programs at Brookline College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership.   Rory also holds a certificate in Six Sigma from Villanova University.  
 
Content information: This course discusses the use of red cell indices and red cell distribution width to describe a population of red blood cells. The course provides information regarding interpretation of red cell histograms that are part of the automated cell count and correlations between indices, RDWs, and peripheral blood smear observations.

This course is part of:
Macrocytes, pernicious anemia.  Many of the macrocytes seen in this peripheral smear are larger than the diameter of the lymphocyte nucleus, and are oval in shape. These are called megalocytes, seen in pernicious anemia. EMHCP405018.
Normal Erythrocytes.  Mature erythrocytes can be described as round, elastic, non-nucleated, bi-concave discs which appear pinkish to buff colored in Wright's stained smears.  EMCHP405005
403 67.jpg
Dimorphic red cell population (double red cell population),
microcytes
Spherocytes.  A spherocyte is shown by the arrow.  Hereditary spherocytosis and immune hemolytic anemia are the two conditions in which an increased number of these cells are seen.EMHCP40565
macrocytes hetero edit
question NRBCs Thalassemia