Red Blood Cell (RBC) Morphology (Online CE Course)

(based on 1,778 customer ratings)

Authors: Martha MacPherson, R.T. and Marjorie A. Spahn, MT (ASCP)
Reviewers: Paul Fekete, MD, FCAP; Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

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All major aspects of red cell morphology are reviewed in this richly illustrated interactive course that uses numerous photomicrographs to identify and heighten study of morphologic abnormalities in red cell size, shape, and color. This course is ideal for review by techs and students and use in continuing education and cross training.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 2 hour(s)
Approved through 4/30/2025
Approved through 4/30/2025

Objectives

  • Discuss the procedure for proper red blood cell examination with respect to:
    • objective(s) used
    • area examined
  • Discuss various aspects of red cell morphology related to cell:
    • size
    • color
    • shape

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(based on 1,778 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction to Red Cell Morphology
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Size
      • MCV and Anisocytosis
      • Normal RBC Size
      • Microcytes
      • Microcyte with Normal Hemoglobin Content
      • Macrocytes
      • Another Example of Macrocytosis
      • The red blood cells indicated by the arrows have diameters greater than 9 µm and decreased central pallor. How would you report these cells?
      • Which of the following statements can be made about the red blood cells (RBCs) that are seen in the image?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Color
      • Hemoglobin Concentration
      • Normochromic Red Cells
      • Hypochromia and Hyperchromia
      • Hypochromia
      • Polychromatophilic Red Blood Cells
      • How would you characterize the red blood cells (RBCs) in this image?
      • How would you characterize the RBCs in this image?
      • What type of cells are indicated by the arrows in this slide?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Shape
      • Poikilocytosis
      • Red Cell Variations in Shape
      • Acanthocytes
      • Acanthocytes, continued
      • Target Cells (Codocytes)
      • Target Cells, continued
      • Teardrop Cells (Dacrocytes)
      • Teardrop Cells, continued
      • Sickle Cells (Drepanocytes)
      • Sickle Cells, continued
      • Burr Cells (Echinocytes)
      • Elliptocytes (Ovalocytes)
      • Elliptocytes, continued
      • Fragmented Red Blood Cells
      • Prekeratocytes or Blister Cells
      • Keratocytes
      • Keratocytes, continued
      • Spherocytes
      • Conditions Associated with Spherocytes
      • Stomatocytes
      • Stomatocytes, continued
      • Summary
      • What type of red blood cells are indicated by the arrows in this image?
      • What are the abnormal red blood cells indicated by the arrows in this image?
      • What are the abnormal red cells indicated by the arrows in this field?
      • What are the cells that are indicated by the arrows in this field?
      • What are the predominant abnormal forms seen in this slide?
      • What are the abnormal cells indicated by the arrows in this image?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Cell Arrangement
      • Rouleaux and Autoagglutination
      • True Rouleaux
      • Artifactual Rouleaux
      • Autoagglutination
      • Another Example of Autoagglutination
      • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
      • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
      • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
  • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: This course is suitable for medical laboratory scientists and technicians, MLS and MLT students, medical students, and pathology residents. 
Author Information: This course was developed by Martha MacPherson, R.T. and Marjorie A. Spahn, MT (ASCP), and was updated by Education Materials for Health Professionals, Inc., under the supervision of Marjorie Spahn MT(ASCP). It was adapted for online use by Paul Fekete, MD, FCAP, the President and CEO of MediaLab, Inc. 
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 14 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 describes in detail the morphology of RBCs and their morphological variations in regard to size, shape, and color.  
Copyright: Copyright EMHP Inc., Dayton OH. Licensed to MediaLab Inc., Dacula, GA. The web-based version produced solely by MediaLab Inc.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
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hypochromic red cells


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elliptocytes 2


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