Which of the following laboratory values would best correlate with moderate polychromasia on a peripheral blood smear?
A) A low RBC count
B) A retic count of 8%
C) Schistocytes on the PB smear
D) A low PLT count

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polychromasia refers to the presence of RBCs of varying colors on a peripheral blood smear, indicating the release of immature RBCs from the bone marrow. A retic count measures the percentage of reticulocytes (immature RBCs) in the blood, making it the most appropriate laboratory value to correlate with polychromasia. A low RBC count or low PLT count would not necessarily be related to polychromasia. Schistocytes on the PB smear would indicate the presence of fragmented RBCs, which is not related to polychromasia.

Which of the Following Laboratory Values Would Best Correlate with Moderate