During a discussion of RBC indices, a medical technologist of ...

[madam-professor]

During a discussion of RBC indices, a medical technologist of Cambodian origin mentioned that her own red cells had been small in a CBC performed 2 years earlier in a routine physical. A more recent CBC showed the following results.
 
  TEST RESULTS
  WBC 9.3 x 109/L
  RBC 6.11 x 1012/L
  HGB 13.0 g/dL
  HCT 41.8
  MCV 69.6 fL
  MCH 22.5 pg
  MCHC 31.0 g/dL
  RDW 15.8
  PLT 351 x 109/L
  Differential Within normal limits
 
  Based on the demographics of this patient, what disorder is suspected?
  a. Sickle cell disease
  b. Hemoglobin C disease
  c. Hemoglobin SC disease
  d. Hemoglobin E disease

Question 2

Explain how high alcohol intake can cause macrocytosis.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[SVictor]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: D

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Causes of macrocytosis in alcohol abuse patients are (a) reticulocytosis associated with hemolysis or GI bleeding, (b) liver disease associated with abnormal RBC membrane lipid composition, (c) poor diet resulting in folate deficiency.

[madam-professor]

Thank you

[SVictor]

No problemo