Chapter 11 The Blood 339 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. SELF CHECK 1. What does a complete blood count measure? 2. What diseases and disorders may be indicated if a person’s red blood cell count is low? Anemia Anemia is a condition characterized by a decreased concentration of erythrocytes (RBCs), hemoglobin, or hematocrit due to a decreased production or an increased destruction of RBCs or excessive blood loss. In all cases, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. Anemia can be acquired or inherited. Acquired anemia means a person was not born with a condition that could cause anemia inherited means that a person was born with a gene that results in anemia. Symptoms of anemia include pallor, headache, dizziness, weak- ness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. There are several types of anemia. Some forms are mild and easily treated by adopting a healthful diet others can be severe, debilitating, and even life- threatening if they remain undiagnosed or untreated. For milder forms of anemia, a healthful diet provides the building blocks for RBC production: iron, folic acid, and vitamin B. B lood disorders and diseases can be diagnosed in a variety of ways, including a complete blood count test. What causes a disorder or disease of the blood? Many health problems affecting the blood are inherited, but some are caused by environmental factors, poor diet, or even old age. This section explains the measurements made during a complete blood count and explores some of the most common disorders and diseases of the blood, as well as their causes, symptoms, and treatments or management strategies. Complete Blood Count A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that helps detect blood disorders or diseases such as anemia, infection, abnormal blood cell counts, clotting problems, immune system disorders, and cancers of the blood. The test measures the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, and determines hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other RBC parameters. Figure 11.15 illustrates the results of a complete blood count test. Values that are higher or lower than the normal range appear in red. A low RBC count may indicate anemia, bleeding, or dehydration. In addition, the number of each of the five different types of WBCs is measured for signs of infection, blood cancers, or immune disorders. A reduced platelet count may indicate a bleeding or a thrombotic (clotting) disorder. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are also measured for signs of any anemias. SECTION 11.3 Blood Disorders and Diseases Objectives · Identify the measurements performed in a complete blood count. · Describe the various types of anemia. · Identify common blood disorders and diseases. Key Terms acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) anemia aplastic anemia chelation therapy chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) complete blood count (CBC) embolus hemophilia iron-deficient anemia jaundice leukemia multiple myeloma pernicious anemia phlebotomy polycythemia sickle cell anemia thalassemia thrombus Ch11.indd 339 4/29/2019 11:21:42 AM