Author Question: The following RBC indices are obtained on a patient when calculated using results from manual ... (Read 76 times)

jazziefee · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The following RBC indices are obtained on a patient when calculated using results from manual methods:

MCV: 73 fL
MCH: 24 pg
MCHC: 33.4 g/dL

When the stained blood film is evaluated, the RBCs are normocytic normochromic. What conclusion can be made from this information?

a. The hematocrit is too low.
b. The hemoglobin is too low.
c. The red count is too high.
d. It is impossible to come to any conclusion.

Question 2

Which of the following can cause a falsely increased ESR?

a. Concentration of anticoagulant increased
b. Tube not totally vertical
c. Tuberculosis
d. Increased plasma viscosity

ttt030911 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The MCHC is in the reference range and the red cells are normochromic. These then correlate with one another; therefore the hemoglobin and hematocrit appear valid. The cells are also normocytic, which means that the MCV and MCH should also both be in the reference range, but they are not. Because the red count is the denominator for both of these determinations, it must be too high and thus falsely decrease both the MCV and MCH.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The ESR tube must be kept at the absolute perpendicular to obtain a valid ESR result. Even only a slight tilt of the pipette (tube) causes the ESR to increase.