Changes

The area to be examined is the monolayer where 50% or less of cells are in contact. The differential count is performed, and cell morphology is assessed in the monolayer (Fig 2).

The area to be examined is the monolayer where 50% or less of cells are in contact. The differential count is performed, and cell morphology is assessed in the monolayer (Fig 2).

[[File:Nation Wide Laboratories.png|thumb|left|NationWide Laboratories]][[File:NationWide Laboratories Fig2.png|right|thumb|NationWide Laboratories ]]

[[File:Nation Wide Laboratories.png|thumb|left|NationWide Laboratories]][[File:NationWide Laboratories Fig2.png|right|thumb|NationWide Laboratories ]]

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== The Complete Blood Count ==

== The Complete Blood Count ==

=== '''Erythrocyte evaluation''' ===

=== '''Erythrocyte evaluation''' ===

There are a number of terms used when examining RBCs, and numerous terms describing changes in red cell morphology. Only the most commonly encountered ones are described.

There are a number of terms used when examining RBCs, and numerous terms describing changes in red cell morphology. Only the most commonly encountered ones are described.

<u>'''Artefacts'''.</u> Stain precipitate, refractile bodies and echinocytes.  

<u>'''Artefacts'''.</u> Stain precipitate, refractile bodies and echinocytes.  

Echinocytes (crenated red cells). Red cells with many spiny projections which tend to be evenly spaced and uniform. This is often artefact seen in thick smears, which have taken a long time to dry, or due to excess EDTA, if the tube is not filled to the line. Echinocytes can be associated with pathological changes such as uraemia, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia and snake venom.  

Echinocytes (crenated red cells). Red cells with many spiny projections which tend to be evenly spaced and uniform. This is often artefact seen in thick smears, which have taken a long time to dry, or due to excess EDTA, if the tube is not filled to the line. Echinocytes can be associated with pathological changes such as uraemia, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia and snake venom.  

 

 

[[File:NWLab .jpg|thumb|Echinocytes, a small and large platelet NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]

[[File:NWLab .jpg|thumb|center|Echinocytes, a small and large platelet NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]