Hello my Little Gang of Nasties 😜😈 Let’s talk Hepatitis: one of the biggest ASCP trap topics. Everybody thinks they know it until that serology chart shows up on the exam and you're cooked. Here’s the breakdown: - + HBsAg = you’re infected (active or chronic) - + Anti-HBs = you’re immune (vaccine or past infection) - + Anti-HBc IgM = acute infection - + Anti-HBc IgG = chronic or past infection - + HBeAg = high infectivity S = Surface, C = Core, E = Infectiousness A 36-year old woman is a known intravenous drug abuser, and gives a history of "several previous episodes of hepatitis". The laboratory workup is as follows: HBsAg- Reactive anti-HBs- Negative anti-HBc- Total Positive anti-HBc IgM- Negative anti-HAV- Total Positive anti-HCV- Positive anti-HAV IgM- Negative A. Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) B. Acute Hepatitis C C. Acute Hepatitis A D. Chronic Hepatits B Comment your answer below and use the attached chart if necessary! There's more practice questions at the end of the .pdf! I hope this helps!!! Your favorite scientist, Marilyn 🧪👩🏽‍🔬 If you're looking to hop into weekly study sessions with me, join the Inner Circle of Microscope Views here. 🧪📚🔬

Hello My Little Gang of Nasties 😈👅 We’ve got another FREE study session coming up this week, but I need your vote! 👇🏾 ⚠️ Quick note: Tuesday is a United States Federal Holiday, so keep that in mind when voting! Drop your vote in the comments: Which day works best for you? 👉🏾 Tuesday (Veteran's Day Holiday) 👉🏾 Wednesday Then comment your preferred time + time zone (Example: 4PM CST / 5PM EST). Once I see what works best for most of you, I’ll lock in the schedule and post the Zoom link! 🎥 We’ll be going over ASCP-style questions and breaking down strategy, so come ready to learn and laugh like last time. xoxo, Marilyn 🫶🏽

Hello My Little Hang of Nasties 😜😈 If you are in need of a solid review of the major anemias, this resource covers the essentials; from pathophysiology to lab findings and morphology under the microscope. See below or click the .pdf attachment. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights: 🔬 Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) - Cause: Inadequate iron → ↓ hemoglobin synthesis. - Labs: ↓ serum iron, ↓ ferritin, ↑ TIBC - Morphology: Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs - Notes: TIBC rises due to increased transferrin production in response to iron deficiency. 💥 Hemolytic Anemia - Cause: Premature RBC destruction—immune or non-immune mediated. - Labs: ↑ reticulocytes, ↑ LDH, ↑ indirect bilirubin, ↓ haptoglobin, (+) DAT (if immune-mediated) - Notes: Often associated with transfusion reactions, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or certain infections/medications. 🧬 Sickle Cell Anemia - Cause: Mutation in the β-globin gene → Hgb S formation - Morphology: Sickle-shaped cells, target cells, anisopoikilocytosis - Labs: ↑ retic count, ↑ WBC/platelets, ↑ LDH/bilirubin, ↓ Haptoglobin - Genetics: Valine replaces glutamic acid at the 6th position of the β-globin chain. 🧪 Thalassemia - Cause: Decreased or absent synthesis of alpha or beta globin chains - Morphology: Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs; target cells; marked anisopoikilocytosis - Alpha Major: 4-gene deletion → hydrops fetalis - Beta Major: ↑ Hgb F and A2, ↓/absent Hgb A - Beta Minor: ↑ Hgb A2 - Diagnosis: Hemoglobin electrophoresis 🚫 Aplastic Anemia - Cause: Bone marrow failure (acquired or inherited e.g. Fanconi anemia) - Labs: Pancytopenia, ↓ retic count - Bone Marrow: Hypocellular marrow 🔴 Hereditary Spherocytosis - Cause: Defects in RBC membrane proteins - Morphology: Spherocytes - Labs: ↑ MCHC, (+) Osmotic Fragility Test 🧪 G6PD Deficiency - Cause: X-linked recessive enzyme deficiency → RBCs vulnerable to oxidative stress - Triggers: Fava beans, certain drugs/infections - Morphology: Bite cells, blister cells, Heinz bodies, polychromasia