Hematology · Wordsology

Unlike the other topics, the study of Hematology really starts with learning the reference ranges for various properties of RBCs and WBCs. You MUST know these values in order to answer the types of questions that will be on your exam. They are absolutely necessary for the exam and for the laboratory.

Hematology ref ranges — THE single most important Polansky review card, with respect to questions I had on the exam

Hematopoiesis1 — It's important to know the difference between antigen-independent and antigen-dependent lymphopoiesis, and where each occurs

Differentiating lymphocytes — You'll come across questions that require you to know whether you have a B or T lymphocyte, and whether it's mature or not. In the proper context, this information can suggest what type of cancerous cell you're dealing with

Cancer flow chart3 — A topic I couldn't grasp until I visualized it as a whole

Granulocyte abnormalities — You'll definitely have a question on non-malignant granulocytic abnormalities

Answering Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Questions on the ASCP Exam (click to open)

Miscellaneous

Know what increases Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):
tilted tube
high temps
Macrocytosis
Roleaux
excess fibrinogens/globulins
infection/ inflammation
low RBC count (anemia)

When it comes to Hemoglobin itself, know what it’s made up of. Know the different types of hemoglobin (A, A2, F, S) and what chains make them up. Why do you would see different types of hemoglobin in certain thalassemias? Know what types of hemoglobin the fetus makes, vs the adult. Know the breakdown products of intravascular hemolysis vs extravascular hemolysis, and the lab findings for each. I just remember having questions about some of these but I don’t recall exactly. These types of questions will come up repeatedly while you’re studying.