Page 1 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx.pdf
Hematology Learning Objectives
Describe cellular and plasma components of the blood.
Cellular components of blood: RBC (red blood cells/erythrocytes), WBC (white blood cells/leukocytes),
platelets
Plasma components of blood: accounts for 50-55% of blood, mixture of inorganic & organic substances
o Plasma proteins (albumin 54% = main, fibrinogen 7%, & globulin 48%), H2O (90%), other solutes
Identify the main functions of the 3 different types of blood cells and what signs and symptoms to look for if they
are abnormal.
RBC/erythrocytes: most abundant cells of blood, responsible for tissue O2 (hemoglobin)
o Circulate for 120 days, dependent on erythropoietin, bioconcave disc shape
o Cell membrane, no organelles packed with hemoglobin, flexible for gas exchange,
o Abnormal S &S: Anemia
Leukocytes: (WBC) defend body against infections
o Remove dead or injured cells, Circulate for 4-8 hours
o Granulocytes: contain small enzyme filled cytokines (under microscope have granules)
o Agranulocytes: no granules in cytoplasm and contain large nucleus, lymphocytes
o Abnormal S & S: Elevated = infections, Low WBC = chemotherapy
Platelets: used in blood clotting (coagulation), stop blood loss in hemostasis
o Count = 150k – 400k / L, bleeding time is 3.6 min, stick to site and form a plug/clot by fibrin
Primary step (clot formation) & secondary Step (clot process)
o Control of bleeding & circulate from 7-10 days
o Abnormal S & S:
Name the components of the CBC – especially RBC, HB and HCT and WBC -and their normal values. Relate
to names of disorders of blood cells.
RBC: males (4.2 mil – 5.4 mil), females (3.6-5 mil), AVERAGE (3.5-5)
o Elevated RBC = polycythemia
o Low RBC = anemia
HGB/HB: 14-16.5 g/dl males……12-15 females g/dl -Anemia
HCT: 40-50% male…..37-47% female
WBC: differential which examine different types of active WBCs AVERAGE (4,400-11,300)
o Elevated WBC = leukocytosis
o Low WBC = leukopenia
o Differentials: similar to blood drawn, neutrophils are first responders, gives us info about types of
WBC found in sample,
Bands – baby neutrophils, increase in band leads to new immune response
Segments: mature neutrophils
Platelets: 150,000 – 450,000
o Elevated= thrombocytosis
o Low platelets = thrombocytopenia
Name the 5 types of leukocytes and the functions of each. (Memorize)
Neutrophils: granulocytes Fight infection that signaled to develop change & first responders
Eosinophils: granulocytes help control allergic reactions, fight parasites
Basophils: granulocytes release histamine & other inflammatory mediators
Lymphocytes: Agranulocytes Immune response cells (T cells- attack infected cells/ help other immune cells &
B cells- Make antibodies, memory cells)
Monocytes/macrophages: Agranulocytes antigen-presenting cells, create inflammatory response (chronic)
Name the triggers for differentiation of stem cells in the bone marrow –specifically for erythrocytes.
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-13-2026 18:29:19 GMT -06:00
-2026 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/29035735
, Page 2 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx.pdf
Growth factors / Cytokines – e.g., Erythropoietin (EPO), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
(G-CSF), Granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), Thrombopoietin (TPO).
Transcription factors – e.g., GATA-1, PU.1, RUNX1.
Cell–cell interactions / microenvironment (niche signals) – via stromal cells, extracellular
matrix.
Hormones – e.g., thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids.
Name the relationship of erythropoietin to the bone marrow and RBC production.
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone made by the kidneys in response to low oxygen. It stimulates the bone
marrow to produce more red blood cells (RBCs), increasing oxygen delivery in the blood. (example: hypoxia)
Name the most common clinical signs of anemia.
Reduced O2 carrying capacity = tissue hypoxia
Hemodilution: low levels of RBCs lead to low blood volume, (body tries to compensate by increasing tissue
fluid/volume)
Hypoxemia: causes vasodilation, tachycardia, increase respiration rate, blood shunting
Reduced blood flow & O2 to important organs causing fatigue, headache, temperature change, weakness, pale
skin
Discuss the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia and the cause of a painful crisis
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a β-globin mutation that produces hemoglobin S, making red blood cells
sickle-shaped and fragile. These cells block blood vessels, causing tissue ischemia, pain crises, and chronic
anemia. Change in RBC behavior, result in low O2 within blood (sickling process), lifelong disease = no cure
More common among African Americans
Sickle Cell Crisis: Hypoxia (high altitude, exercise), Dehydration, Infection, Cold exposure
State the significance between neutrophil bands and segs.
Neutrophil bands: known as immature neutrophils
o Increased bands indicate acute infection or inflammation (shift to the left), high bands also indicate the
body’s need for more neutrophils than bone marrow can mature
o Appear when demand exceeds supply of mature segments
Neutrophil segments: categorized as mature neutrophils, more effective during phagocytosis,
o Normally present in circulation
Neutrophil bands & segments make up Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
o Respond quickly to infection, have short lifespans
Name several conditions which can cause neutropenia
Cancer related: chemotherapy & radiation treatments, leukemia
Immunosuppressed therapy individuals
Bone marrow transplants
Metabolic diseases, HIV i2nfection, autoimmune disorders
Define leukemia. Name the 4 types of leukemia. Which one is the most common in children?
Leukemia: cancer of the blood & bone marrow
o Overproduction of immature WBC (abnormal blast cells which alter RBC production)
o Leukemia leads to decreases RBC (anemia), Decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia), decrease in
WBC function (neutropenia/low # of WBC or neutrophils)
4 types of Leukemia
o Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): MOST COMMON IN CHILDREN & 85 percent of a
five-year survival rate within children, involves immature B-cells or T-cells (lymphoblasts), treated
with combination chemotherapy
o Acute Myeloid (Most Common): involves myeloid cell mutations (chromosomal changes & gene
fusions), most difficult to treat, involves combo chemotherapy & potential stem cell transplant
o Chronic Myeloid: occurs in less than 5% of child cancers, usually treated with TKIs
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-13-2026 18:29:19 GMT -06:00
-2026 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/29035735
Hematology Learning Objectives
Describe cellular and plasma components of the blood.
Cellular components of blood: RBC (red blood cells/erythrocytes), WBC (white blood cells/leukocytes),
platelets
Plasma components of blood: accounts for 50-55% of blood, mixture of inorganic & organic substances
o Plasma proteins (albumin 54% = main, fibrinogen 7%, & globulin 48%), H2O (90%), other solutes
Identify the main functions of the 3 different types of blood cells and what signs and symptoms to look for if they
are abnormal.
RBC/erythrocytes: most abundant cells of blood, responsible for tissue O2 (hemoglobin)
o Circulate for 120 days, dependent on erythropoietin, bioconcave disc shape
o Cell membrane, no organelles packed with hemoglobin, flexible for gas exchange,
o Abnormal S &S: Anemia
Leukocytes: (WBC) defend body against infections
o Remove dead or injured cells, Circulate for 4-8 hours
o Granulocytes: contain small enzyme filled cytokines (under microscope have granules)
o Agranulocytes: no granules in cytoplasm and contain large nucleus, lymphocytes
o Abnormal S & S: Elevated = infections, Low WBC = chemotherapy
Platelets: used in blood clotting (coagulation), stop blood loss in hemostasis
o Count = 150k – 400k / L, bleeding time is 3.6 min, stick to site and form a plug/clot by fibrin
Primary step (clot formation) & secondary Step (clot process)
o Control of bleeding & circulate from 7-10 days
o Abnormal S & S:
Name the components of the CBC – especially RBC, HB and HCT and WBC -and their normal values. Relate
to names of disorders of blood cells.
RBC: males (4.2 mil – 5.4 mil), females (3.6-5 mil), AVERAGE (3.5-5)
o Elevated RBC = polycythemia
o Low RBC = anemia
HGB/HB: 14-16.5 g/dl males……12-15 females g/dl -Anemia
HCT: 40-50% male…..37-47% female
WBC: differential which examine different types of active WBCs AVERAGE (4,400-11,300)
o Elevated WBC = leukocytosis
o Low WBC = leukopenia
o Differentials: similar to blood drawn, neutrophils are first responders, gives us info about types of
WBC found in sample,
Bands – baby neutrophils, increase in band leads to new immune response
Segments: mature neutrophils
Platelets: 150,000 – 450,000
o Elevated= thrombocytosis
o Low platelets = thrombocytopenia
Name the 5 types of leukocytes and the functions of each. (Memorize)
Neutrophils: granulocytes Fight infection that signaled to develop change & first responders
Eosinophils: granulocytes help control allergic reactions, fight parasites
Basophils: granulocytes release histamine & other inflammatory mediators
Lymphocytes: Agranulocytes Immune response cells (T cells- attack infected cells/ help other immune cells &
B cells- Make antibodies, memory cells)
Monocytes/macrophages: Agranulocytes antigen-presenting cells, create inflammatory response (chronic)
Name the triggers for differentiation of stem cells in the bone marrow –specifically for erythrocytes.
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-13-2026 18:29:19 GMT -06:00
-2026 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/29035735
, Page 2 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx.pdf
Growth factors / Cytokines – e.g., Erythropoietin (EPO), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
(G-CSF), Granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), Thrombopoietin (TPO).
Transcription factors – e.g., GATA-1, PU.1, RUNX1.
Cell–cell interactions / microenvironment (niche signals) – via stromal cells, extracellular
matrix.
Hormones – e.g., thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids.
Name the relationship of erythropoietin to the bone marrow and RBC production.
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone made by the kidneys in response to low oxygen. It stimulates the bone
marrow to produce more red blood cells (RBCs), increasing oxygen delivery in the blood. (example: hypoxia)
Name the most common clinical signs of anemia.
Reduced O2 carrying capacity = tissue hypoxia
Hemodilution: low levels of RBCs lead to low blood volume, (body tries to compensate by increasing tissue
fluid/volume)
Hypoxemia: causes vasodilation, tachycardia, increase respiration rate, blood shunting
Reduced blood flow & O2 to important organs causing fatigue, headache, temperature change, weakness, pale
skin
Discuss the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia and the cause of a painful crisis
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a β-globin mutation that produces hemoglobin S, making red blood cells
sickle-shaped and fragile. These cells block blood vessels, causing tissue ischemia, pain crises, and chronic
anemia. Change in RBC behavior, result in low O2 within blood (sickling process), lifelong disease = no cure
More common among African Americans
Sickle Cell Crisis: Hypoxia (high altitude, exercise), Dehydration, Infection, Cold exposure
State the significance between neutrophil bands and segs.
Neutrophil bands: known as immature neutrophils
o Increased bands indicate acute infection or inflammation (shift to the left), high bands also indicate the
body’s need for more neutrophils than bone marrow can mature
o Appear when demand exceeds supply of mature segments
Neutrophil segments: categorized as mature neutrophils, more effective during phagocytosis,
o Normally present in circulation
Neutrophil bands & segments make up Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
o Respond quickly to infection, have short lifespans
Name several conditions which can cause neutropenia
Cancer related: chemotherapy & radiation treatments, leukemia
Immunosuppressed therapy individuals
Bone marrow transplants
Metabolic diseases, HIV i2nfection, autoimmune disorders
Define leukemia. Name the 4 types of leukemia. Which one is the most common in children?
Leukemia: cancer of the blood & bone marrow
o Overproduction of immature WBC (abnormal blast cells which alter RBC production)
o Leukemia leads to decreases RBC (anemia), Decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia), decrease in
WBC function (neutropenia/low # of WBC or neutrophils)
4 types of Leukemia
o Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): MOST COMMON IN CHILDREN & 85 percent of a
five-year survival rate within children, involves immature B-cells or T-cells (lymphoblasts), treated
with combination chemotherapy
o Acute Myeloid (Most Common): involves myeloid cell mutations (chromosomal changes & gene
fusions), most difficult to treat, involves combo chemotherapy & potential stem cell transplant
o Chronic Myeloid: occurs in less than 5% of child cancers, usually treated with TKIs
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-13-2026 18:29:19 GMT -06:00
-2026 Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx Hematology_Learning_Objectives.docx
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/29035735
