1. Nada Mohamed Ahmed , MD, MT (ASCP)i
Introduction to anemia
Nada Mohamed Ahmed , MD, MT (ASCP)i

2. contents Introduction to RBC’s RBC cell indices and Haemeglobin
Anemia- Definition
classification of Anemia
Signs and symptoms of Anemia
Diagnosis

3. Introduction To RBC
The mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated cells and lack usual cell organelles.
The normal RBC is biconcave in shape,7.2µm in diameter and has a thickness of 2.4µm at the periphery and 1µm in the center.
The biconcave shape helps the RBC to pass through the smallest capillaries
90% of the RBC’s weight is concentrated in the red pigment hemoglobin and the RBC’s have a lifespan of 120±30 days.

4. Functions of RBC The most important function of an RBC
1- is the transportation of oxygen to tissues.
2- Another important function of RBC’s is the transportation of CO2 from the tissues to the lungs.

5. Normal Values
Range of normal RBC count is:5.5±1.0 in Men and 4.8±1.0 ×1012/L in women
Hemoglobin content being 15.5±2.5(13-18)g/dl in Men and 14.0±2.5( )g/dl and Women.
The packed cell volume (PCV) or the haematocrit is the volume of the erythrocytes per litre of whole blood is 40-54% in Men and 37-47% in Women
Based on these normal values red cell indices have been calculated ,which are of diagnostic importance.

7. Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is a basic protein,GLOBIN and of iron-porphyrin complex HEME with a molecular weight of 68,000 dalton and consists of 4 polypeptides.

9. RBC Destruction and Recycling

10. History of Anemia
The word "anemia" is composed of two Greek roots that together mean "without blood,“
The ancients readily recognized the importance of blood as a life- giving substance, believing it to hold the body's vital force

11. Definition of Anemia : Low Hb level less than normal range
Less than 13.5 g/dl Adult male
Less than 11.5 g/dl adult female
Less than 15 g/dl neonate
Other definitions RBCs count less than normal range according to age group
Decreased in hematocrit level (Packed cell volume pcv) less than normal rang

12. Red cell indices MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
The average volume of RBC NR= fl
= Hct  10 (fl)
RBC count (m/µL)
e.g. Hct= 40%
RBC=5.0 (m /µL)
MCV= 40/5.0  10 = 80 fl

13. NR= 27-32 pg Hb MCH =  10 (pg) RBC count (m/µL) e.g. Hb = 14 g/dl
MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin)
The average content of Hb in average RBC.
It is directly proportional to the amount of Hb and RBC size. Hb
MCH =
 (pg)
NR= pg
RBC count (m/µL)
e.g. Hb = 14 g/dl
RBC = 4.8 (m/µL)
MCH= 14/4  10
= 29 pg

14. MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)
NR= 32-36%
Express the average concentration of hemoglobin per unit volume of RBC.
It defined as the ratio of the weight of hemoglobin to volume of RBC.
Hb (g/dl)
MCHC=
 (%)
Hct (%)
e.g. Hb = 14 g/dl
Hct = 45 %
MCHC 14/45  100 = 31%

15. Classification of Anemia
I. Etiologic Classification
1. Impaired RBC production
2. Excessive destruction
3. Blood loss
II. Morphologic Classification
1. Macrocytic anemia
2. Microcytic hypochromic anemia
3. Normochromic normocytic anemia

16. Impaired RBC Production
1. Abnormal bone marrow (Aplastic anemia)
Essential factors deficiency
3.Anemia in renal disease : Erythropoietin

17. Excessive Destruction of RBC(cont.)
Hemolytic anemia
1. Intracorpuscular defect(defect inside the cell)
1.1 Membrane : Hereditary spherocytosis
Hereditary ovalocytosis, etc.
1.2 Enzyme : G-6PD deficiency, PK def.,
1.3 Hemoglobin : Thalassemia,sickle cell anemia

18. Excessive Destruction of RBC
2. Extracorpuscular defect
1. Mechanical trauma :
2. Infection : Clostridium tetani, malaria parasites.
3.Antibodies : HTR (Hemolytic transfusion reaction) , SLE(Systemic lupus erythematosus)

19. Blood Loss 1. Acute blood loss : Accident, GIbleeding
2. Chronic blood loss : Hypermenorrhea

20. Macrocytic Anemia MCV > 94 fl Megaloblastic anemia
1 . Vit. B12 deficiency
2. Folic acid deficiency : Nutritional megaloblastic anemia.

21. Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia
MCV < 80 fl
Iron deficiency anemia
Thalassemia
Sidroblastic anemia
Anemia due to lead poisoning.

22. Normocytic Normochromic Anemia
MCV – 92 fl
1. Blood loss
2. Increased plasma volume : Pregnancy,
3. Hemolytic anemia : depend on each cause
5. Infiltrate BM : Leukemia, Multiple myeloma,
Myelofibrosis, etc.
6. Abnormal endocrine : Hypothyroidism, Adrenal
insufficiency, etc.
7. Kidney disease / Liver disease / Cirrhosis

23. Signs and Symptoms

24. Diagnosis Haemoglobin Estimation Peripheral blood smear examination
Red cell indices
Reticulocyte count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR
Special test for special type of Anemia
Bone marrow examination