Page 69 - Life Insurance underwriting Ebook IC 22

1.6Peripheral blood smear

Examination of the peripheral blood smear should be considered, along with review of
the results of blood counts and red blood cell indices, an essential component of the

initial evaluation of all patients with hematologic disorders. The examination of blood
films stained with Wright's stain frequently provides important clues in the diagnosis of

anemias and various disorders of leukocytes and platelets.

Cells of normal size and hemoglobin content (color) are termed normocytic and norm
chromic. Larger than normal erythrocytes are macrocytes (diameter greater than 9 µm);
small red cells are microcytes (diameter less than 6 µm); and those with central pallor
greater than 50% of the diameter are hypo chromic.

2. Learn about anemia its causes and classification.

2.1 Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of

hemoglobin is low. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that enables them to

carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body. When the number of
red blood cells is reduced or the amount of hemoglobin in them is low, the blood cannot

carry an adequate supply of oxygen. An inadequate supply of oxygen in the tissues
produces the symptoms of anemia.

2.2 Causes of anemia

The causes of anemia are numerous, but most can be grouped within three major
mechanisms that produce anemia:

 Blood loss (excessive bleeding)

 Inadequate production of red blood cells
 Excessive destruction of red blood cells

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