Which red blood cell abnormality is commonly associated with a decreased ESR?

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Multiple Choice

Which red blood cell abnormality is commonly associated with a decreased ESR?

Red blood cell shape and deformability govern how fast cells settle in plasma. The ESR rises when plasma proteins promote stacking of cells into rouleaux, creating larger aggregates that settle quickly. Conversely, cells that are rigid and compact, like spherocytes, are less able to deform and form rouleaux. Their smaller, denser shape and membrane loss make them settle more slowly, producing a lower ESR. So spherocytes are associated with a decreased ESR because their rigid, compact form hinders aggregation and sedimentation. Rouleaux formation would increase the ESR by promoting aggregation.

Red blood cell shape and deformability govern how fast cells settle in plasma. The ESR rises when plasma proteins promote stacking of cells into rouleaux, creating larger aggregates that settle quickly. Conversely, cells that are rigid and compact, like spherocytes, are less able to deform and form rouleaux. Their smaller, denser shape and membrane loss make them settle more slowly, producing a lower ESR. So spherocytes are associated with a decreased ESR because their rigid, compact form hinders aggregation and sedimentation. Rouleaux formation would increase the ESR by promoting aggregation.

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