ASCP Hematology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cell type is characterized by a bilobed nucleus connected by a thin strand and is elevated in allergic reactions?
- Neutrophil
- Eosinophil (Correct answer)
- Basophil
- Monocyte
Correct answer: Eosinophil
Eosinophils have bilobed nuclei and are elevated in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
Question 2: A patient with iron deficiency anemia would most likely show which RBC morphology?
- Macrocytosis
- Microcytosis and hypochromia (Correct answer)
- Spherocytosis
- Target cells
Correct answer: Microcytosis and hypochromia
Iron deficiency anemia causes microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells due to impaired hemoglobin synthesis.
Question 3: What is the normal reference range for platelet count in adults?
- 50,000–100,000/µL
- 150,000–400,000/µL (Correct answer)
- 500,000–800,000/µL
- 1,000–5,000/µL
Correct answer: 150,000–400,000/µL
The normal adult platelet count is 150,000–400,000 per microliter.
Question 4: Which hemoglobin type predominates in adults and consists of two alpha and two beta chains?
- HbA2
- HbF
- HbA1 (Correct answer)
- HbS
Correct answer: HbA1
HbA1 (α2β2) makes up approximately 95–98% of total hemoglobin in normal adults.
Question 5: A peripheral blood smear shows hypersegmented neutrophils. This finding is most consistent with:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia (Correct answer)
- Aplastic anemia
Correct answer: Megaloblastic anemia
Hypersegmented neutrophils (5+ lobes) are a hallmark of megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 or folate deficiency.
Question 6: Which test is used to confirm the diagnosis of polycythemia vera by measuring the total red cell mass?
- ESR
- Hematocrit
- Chromium-51 RBC mass study (Correct answer)
- Reticulocyte count
Correct answer: Chromium-51 RBC mass study
The chromium-51 RBC mass study directly measures total red cell volume to confirm true polycythemia.
ASCP Hematology 1
Which cell type is characterized by a bilobed nucleus connected by a thin strand and is elevated in allergic reactions?