Before you start!

First, decide which definition should be used for the discrimination of neutrophils into bands and segmented cells. If this definition is not familiar to you, look it up here. 

Does the  rule of filament or the  rule of one third apply? 

You can only view the "White Blood Cells" and "Blood Picture Gallery" modules, after one of the two above definitions have been chosen. In the module "Normal Blood Marrow" only the rule of filament is applied. 
 

A: Learning Modules

The Learning Modules are all built upon the same principle. At the beginning you will examine and compare the various kinds of cells and the qualitative abnormalities of the blood and/or bone marrow. In the next step you must recognize these cells and abnormalities. You will always receive feedback as to whether you are right or wrong. At the end of the program, you will have to assess the blood film of important hematological diseases. Read the instructions for each module carefully. Red numbers indicate sequential order.

B: Reference Modules

Unlike the learning modules, here you can systematically consult blood pictures and information about the most important hematological abnormalities and diseases.

A: Learning Modules

White Blood Cells
You will learn how to recognize normal and pathological leukocytes as well as toxic abnormalities of neutrophils and monocytes. You will then differentiate the leukocytes of fifteen different diseases.

Red Blood Cells
Here, you will learn how to recognize the qualitative abnormalities of red blood cells. You will then assess the red blood cells of eleven different diseases.

Platelets
You will learn step by step how to recognize the quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of platelets. You will then assess the platelets of five different diseases.

Artifacts in the Blood Film
In this module, you will learn to recognize and identify different artifacts.

Normal Bone Marrow
You will learn step by step how to recognize normal bone marrow cells as well as how to assess cellularity and iron content. 

B: Reference Modules

Gallery of Blood and Bone Marrow Films
In this module, you can examine the blood pictures of more than 60 diseases. For some of them the bone marrow films are presented as well.

All Informational Units
You can access the list of all the available units found in the program here.

Laboratory Techniques
Read the instructions on how to produce a blood film and how to perform a May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain as well as a reticulocyte stain. Watch QuickTime movies in which these procedures are demonstrated.
Read the descriptions on manual and automated blood cell counting methods. Their advantages and disadvantages are also discussed.