Knowledge Check • The Blood Project

Which of the following statements about reticulocytes is/are true:

a

They are reported as a % of total red cells or as an absolute number

b

They decrease the mean cell volume (MCV)

They tend to increase the MCV because they are larger than mature red cells.

c

By definition, they cannot actually be seen on a routine (Wright-Giemsa-stained) blood film

By definition, reticulocytes are defined by the presence of clumped granular material called reticulum on a special reticulocyte stain. They may also be detected by flow cytometry after staining with an RNA-binding fluorochrome. Reticulocytes appear as polychromatophilic cells seen on a Wright- or Wright-Giemsa-stained blood film.

d

An absolute reticulocyte count > 120 x 10^9/L is considered an appropriate bone marrow response to anemia

What factors are deficient or inhibited in a patient with elevated PT and aPTT?

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Factor(s) in the common pathway or combined factors in intrinsic and extrinsic pathway

True or false: there is a factor V available for treating patients with factor V deficiency.

a

True

b

False

What are treatment options for bleeding in FV deficiency?

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Fresh frozen plasma, platelet transfusion, antifibrinolytics

What serum markers are increased/decreased from resorbing hematoma?

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Increased: LDH, indirect bilirubin, AST

Decreased: haptoglobin