rbc count

• Who is the author of the RBC Cell Count study material?

  Christian Galler, RMT
• What do red blood cells indicate about a patient's health?

  They indicate the well-being of the patient
• What are red blood cells primarily composed of?

  Protein and iron compounds
• What is the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

  It facilitates the capture and release of oxygen
• What characteristic allows red blood cells to navigate through narrow capillaries?

  Their highly flexible membrane
• What shape do red blood cells typically have?

  They are shaped like a disk with a concave top and bottom
• Why do we count red blood cells (RBCs)?

  To assess the degree of anemia and/or blood loss
• What are the reasons for counting RBCs?

  • Assess degree of anemia and/or blood loss
  • Diagnose Polycythemia Vera
  • Identify dietary insufficiency
  • Monitor response to treatment
  • Determine bone marrow function
  • Identify possible bone marrow related disorders
• What are some automated methods used for counting RBCs?

  Coulter, Yumizen, Mindray
• How is RBC counting performed manually?

  Using a microscope and counting chamber
• What are the steps in the pipette charging procedure for RBC counting?

  1. Aspirate blood to the 0.5 mark of the RBC pipette
  2. Wipe excess blood from the tip
  3. Place diluting fluid in a clean container
  4. Immerse pipette in diluting fluid and draw to 101 mark
  5. Mix the contents and hold securely
• What are the steps in the Neubauer charging procedure?

  1. Place coverslip on the counting chamber
  2. Discard first 5-6 drops of diluted blood
  3. Fill counting chamber by capillary action
  4. Let chamber stand for 4 minutes
  5. Locate ruled area for RBC counting using microscope
• What is the procedure for cell counting in RBC analysis?

  1. Count RBCs in five secondary squares designated as R squares
  2. Count in a zigzag pattern across tertiary squares
  3. Include RBCs touching top and left borders, exclude those on right and bottom
  4. Record counts ensuring cell difference between squares is 20 or less
• What is the depth of the area between the lines of the hemocytometer?

  0.1 mm
• What are the characteristics of a good diluting fluid for RBC counting?

  • Must be isotonic solution
  • High specific gravity
  • Easy to prepare
  • Cost-effective
  • Good preservative
  • Buffer action
  • Should not promote mold growth
• What precautions should be taken during RBC counting?

  • Ensure correct diluent
  • Avoid overflow in moats
  • No air bubbles or debris in counting area
  • No scratches on coverslips
  • Use clean and dry pipettes
• What is the formula for calculating total RBC count?

  Total ct = Number of RBC ct x DF x mm² counted x 0.1 mm