Hematology Essentials for the MLS Exam

Hematology Concepts You Must Know

Hematology is a major section of the MLS board exam. Focus your study on these high-yield topics.

Red Blood Cell Morphology

Recognize sickle cells (sickle cell disease), target cells (thalassemia), schistocytes (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia), and spherocytes (hereditary spherocytosis).

White Blood Cell Differentials

Know the normal ranges: neutrophils 50-70%, lymphocytes 20-40%, monocytes 2-8%, eosinophils 1-4%, basophils 0-1%. Understand when each cell type is elevated.

Coagulation Studies

PT measures extrinsic pathway (Factor VII). aPTT measures intrinsic pathway (Factors XII, XI, IX, VIII). Bleeding time assesses platelet function. D-dimer detects clot formation and breakdown.