Question
The blood smear of a patient represent the following as shown in the picture below. Which among the following best describe the state shown below?
A. Agglutination of red cells.
B. Spurr cells.
C. Burr cells.
D. Rouleaux formation.
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A
Explanation
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Ans: A. Agglutination of red cells.
- Red cell agglutination is the process whereby red cells clump together forming aggregates.
- This is seen in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia,cold agglutinin disease, Infection with Mycoplasma Pneumonia, cryoglobulinemia.
- The presence of antibodies (usually IgM) on the surface of red blood cells is responsible for the phenomenon of autoagglutination.
- The observation of red blood cell agglutination (also referred to as autoagglutination) must be distinguished from rouleaux formation which is a physiological phenomenon.
- Agglutinating red blood cells resemble grapelike clusters whereas red blood cells in rouleaux formation resemble a stack of coins.
- In order to clearly distinguish erythrocyte agglutination from rouleaux formation, a simple saline test can be performed.
