Author Question: Which of the following red cell indices support microcytic hypochromic red cell morphology? MCV ... (Read 74 times)

bb · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which of the following red cell indices support microcytic hypochromic red cell morphology?

MCV (fL) MCH (pg) MCHC (g/dL)

a. 120 36 35
b. 68 22 28
c. 90 30 34
d. 75 30 34

Question 2

On a standard reticulocyte preparation with new methylene blue, 100 cells are counted that contain blue-stained granulofilamentous material. The red blood count is 3.22 1012/L, and the hematocrit is 30. Calculate the reticulocyte count as a percentage.

a. 0.1
b. 1.0
c. 10.0
d. 100.0

lin77x · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Because the red cells are microcytic, the MCV must be below reference range. They are also hypochromic, so the MCHC must be below reference range. Both the smaller volume and lower concentration of hemoglobin mean that the MCH has to be significantly below reference range.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A total of 1000 red cells plus reticulocytes are always counted (and thus is the denominator when performing a reticulocyte count). The reticulocyte count () = (100/1000) 100 = 10.