Normal Peripheral Blood Cells (Online CE Course)

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Authors: Jean Tatum, MT(ASCP); Karen Hay, M.S., MT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

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This course covers the basics of normal peripheral blood cell morphology, including appearance, kinetics, and function of red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets. It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of the principles of cell morphology, and of preparation and staining of a Wright's stained peripheral blood smear.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 8/31/2025
Approved through 8/31/2025

Objectives

  • Discuss the characteristics of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes that are normally present in peripheral blood.
  • Compare and contrast the nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics of each of the normal peripheral blood cells.
  • Evaluate the roles and functions of normal peripheral blood cells.
  • Based on knowledge obtained from this course, identify images of the various types of normal peripheral blood cells.

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Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction to Peripheral Blood Cells
      • The Cellular Components of Blood
      • Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
      • White Blood Cells (WBCs)
      • Platelets
      • Identifying Peripheral Blood Cells
      • Which peripheral blood cell is involved in the body's defense against infection?
  • Glossary
      • Glossary of Terms A through M
      • Glossary of Terms N through Z
  • Appearance of Granulocytes
    • Neutrophils
      • Introduction to Segmented and Band Nuclei
      • Appearance of a Band Neutrophil
      • Maturing into Segmented Neutrophil
      • Segmented Neutrophils
      • Differentiating Bands from Segs
      • Which of the following is the more immature cell?
      • What is the characteristic that distinguishes a segmented neutrophil from a band neutrophil?
    • Eosinophils
    • Basophils
      • Basophils
      • Basophil Granules and Chromatin Pattern
    • Name that Cell
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell that is indicated by the arrow:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
  • Function & Kinetics of Granulocytes
      • Primary Function of Neutrophils
      • Primary Function of Neutrophils, continued
      • Eosinophil Function and Lifespan
      • Basophil Function and Lifespan
      • Eosinophils are increased in all of the following conditions except:
      • During phagocytosis, the neutrophilic granules release digestive enzymes into the vacuole containing a microorganism to kill or destroy the phagocytiz...
      • Basophils' primary role involves:
  • Appearance of Mononuclear Cells
      • Mononuclear Cells: Lymphocytes and Monocytes
    • Lymphocytes
    • Monocytes
      • Monocyte Appearance
      • Differentiating Monocytes from Large Lymphocytes
      • Table 1: Differentiating Monocytes from Large Lymphocytes
      • All of the following descriptions are characteristic of monocytes except:
    • Name that Cell
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell that is indicated by the arrow:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
  •  Function and Kinetics of Mononuclear Cells
      • What is the Function of Lymphocytes?
      • Natural Killer (NK) Cells
      • Monocytic Function
      • T lymphocytes are larger and have more vacuoles than B lymphocytes.
      • Match the following cells with their corresponding characteristics:
      • Match the following cells with their corresponding characteristics:
      • Where is the main site of action for monocytes after diapedesis?
  • Appearance, Function, and Kinetics of Platelets
      • Platelet Appearance
      • Platelet Clumps
      • Platelet Kinetics
      • Platelet Function
      • All of the following statements describe a method by which platelets aid coagulation except:
  • Appearance, Function, and Kinetics of Erythrocytes
  • Name that Cell Review
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
      • Identify the nucleated blood cell:
  • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic 
 
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, and medical laboratory technicians seeking review or continuing education. It is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and medical students who first encounter peripheral blood morphology. 
 
Authors: Jean Tatum, MT(ASCP); Karen Hay, MS, MT(ASCP)
 
Reviewer Information: Laurie Bjerklie, M.A., MLS(ASCP)CM, is currently a Content Developer for MediaLab and LabCE. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs. She most recently served as the Program Manager of Medical Laboratory Science at Saint Louis University.
 
Course Description: This course is part of a series of courses adapted for the web by MediaLab, under license from Education Materials for Health Professionals, Inc. Dayton OH, 45420. Copyright EMHP. This course covers the basics of normal peripheral blood cell morphology, including the appearance, kinetics, and function of red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets. It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of the principles of cell morphology and preparation and staining of a Wright's stained peripheral blood smear.
 

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 184 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
07 Band Neutrophil(1).JPG


403 51.jpg


edit_eosinophil disrupted


lymph


table 1 baso


basophil image 3 content page 9


403 78(1).jpg


Platelet clumps