Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Andrea Gordon, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)SH holds a master's degree in Community Health Education from Plymouth State University and a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from the University of New Hampshire. She holds certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society of Clinical Pathology along with a Specialist in Hematology. Most of her career has been in the education of medical laboratory technicians and scientists after thirteen years in the clinical setting. She has over 25 years of experience as a Program Director for various laboratory science programs. She has approximately 5 years of experience as an administrator in higher education as a VP and Director of Education. Additionally, she has over 15 years of experience as a volunteer for NAACLS.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP) is a Senior Lecturer emerita in Biological Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA where she taught hematology, clinical immunology, parasitology, and other related courses, as well as directed the MLS program for over 30 years. She is currently an adjunct instructor in Hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. She holds a Masters Degree in Biology and in Health Care Administration.
Course Description: The role of the laboratory in diagnosing microcytic anemia cannot be overstated. The most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency which can easily be identified through the work of the hematology and clinical chemistry laboratories. However, there are other causes of microcytic anemia that must be differentiated in order to ensure the proper treatment. This course will provide a brief review of normal erythrocyte maturation, morphology, and function, as well as the classification of anemia before looking more closely at the classification, etiology, and specific diagnostic tests used to properly identify the cause of microcytic anemia.
