MLT 133 - Erythrocyte Hematology

1. Explain the production, formation, distribution, and function of red blood cells and the different forms and variations of hemoglobin.
2. Identify and differentiate normal and abnormal red blood cell morphology and inclusions on a blood smear and correlate findings with RBC indices.
3. Classify and differentiate different types of anemias and hemoglobinopathies including patient signs, symptoms, and lab results of each.
4. Demonstrate the importance of observing universal precautions and proper specimen collection and handling requirements of hematology patient and quality control samples in order to accurately associate test results, and potential discrepancies, with appropriate disease states and conditions.
5. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and ability to accept assistance and constructive criticism while maintaining professional and courteous working relationships with fellow students and instructors.
6. Demonstrate ability to follow written and oral instructions and spend adequate time needed to complete and master assignments and testing techniques using manual or automated equipment while following universal precautions.  Must also be willing to repeat procedures if necessary.

Course Objectives

1. Define hematopoiesis.
2. Discuss the evolution and formation of blood cells in the fetus.
3. Explain the stem cell theory of hematopoiesis, including the names of various stem cells and progenitor cells and their lineage and the factors that influence development.
4. Discuss the production of erythrocytes as well as the destruction, also discuss the appearance of a normal RBC.
5. Explain the different disorders of erythropoietin and discuss the effects.
6. Distinguish the major morphological features of each of the RBC maturation stages.
7. Discuss the events that occur during reticulocyte maturation.
8. Explain the function and composition of the RBC membrane.
9. Explain RBC destruction including the aging of the RBC’s and how they are removed.
10. State the chemical configuration of hemoglobin and identify the types of chains and quantities of adult hemoglobins A, A2, & F.
11. Discuss the synthesis of hemoglobin, where it takes place, and the disorders of heme synthesis.
12. Discuss oxygen affinity, the role of 2, 3 DPG in oxygen affinity in hgb, and discuss the oxygen dissociation curve.
13. Differentiate the variant forms of hemoglobin according to color and cause.
14. Discuss the process of iron metabolism in the body, transport and storage, as well as where it is found.
15. Differentiate RBC metabolic pathways.
16. Discuss and analyze the performance of manual cell counts and the equipment used.
17. Explain systems and dilutions used for manual WBC, platelet, and RBC counts.
18. Discuss and identify sources of error associated with manual test methods for hemoglobin, microhematocrit, reticulocyte counts, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
19. Calculate the red blood cell indices when given values for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC and correlate results to RBC size and color.
20. Define anemia and identify the clinical laboratory findings related to anemia.
21. List procedures that are performed for the detection and diagnosis of anemia.
22. Discuss the different classifications and causes of anemia.
23. Define anisocytosis and discuss the chemical cause and correlate clinical conditions.
24. Discuss the different alterations in RBC color and the clinical implications with which they are associated.
25. Identify the different forms of alterations that can be seen in RBC distribution.
26. Define poikilocytosis and the terminology used to describe these variations.  Explain the causes and clinical conditions.
27. Identify RBC inclusions and explain their cellular or chemical composition. State clinical condition(s) where they may be seen.
28. Name the 3 inherited defects which cause hemolytic anemia.
29. Identify the different structural defects that may occur in RBCs.
30. Discuss the different enzyme disorders associated with anemia.
31. Explain the main defect in PNH, describe the symptoms associated with PNH, and state the screening test available.
32. List the categories of agents or conditions responsible for inducing hemolytic anemia and the associated causes.
33. Define immune extracorpuscular defects and discuss the characteristics, causes, and treatments of each.
34. Identify the clinical symptoms and classifications associated with iron deficiency anemia.
35. Compare the laboratory findings and discuss the clinical symptoms and classifications of megaloblastic anemia.
36. Discuss aplastic anemia, understanding the difference of acquired versus inherited and the lab evaluation of each.
37. Discuss HDN and identify the causes and associated lab results.
38. Identify the causes of hemolytic transfusion reactions and the associated lab findings.
39. Discuss auto antibodies and understand the difference between warm and cold.
40. Differentiate the characteristics and causes of PCH and PNH.
41. Discuss nonimmune hemolytic anemias and list the different causes.
42. List and differentiate the categories of hemoglobinopathies.
43. Discuss the properties of normal hemoglobin.
44. Define Sickle Cell anemia and give the causes and effects of it.
45. Discuss the 3 types of crisis associated with sickle cell anemia.
46. Discuss the difference between sickle cell anemia vs. sickle cell trait.
47. List the different forms of lab evaluation used for diagnosing sickle cell anemia.
48. Discuss thalassemia and identify the different types.
49. Differentiate alpha thalassemias and beta thalassemias.
50. Discuss and differentiate other significant types of hemoglobinopathies.