his video introduces the principles of measuring the mean cell volume (MCV) of red blood cells (RBCs). This provides a foundation for understanding abnormalities in the MCV and interpreting the FBC.  

The myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by low blood counts (cytopenias) and abnormally looking blood cells (dysplasia). It is an important cause of bone marrow failure and can lead to acute myeloid leukemia. This video uses the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl as the starting point to explain this condition and make it easier to understand.  

Platelet clumping is an important cause of a falsely decreased platelet count and occurs in about one out of ten patients with a low platelet count or thrombocytopenia. what it is, what causes it and what the implications are for the patient. Every medical student and doctor should know and recognize this. Enjoy!  

The Dutch artist Dick Ket suffered from a disease causing haematological complications, discussed here. Best watched on full screen and HD.  

Platelet satellitism can easily catch you unawares, if you are not careful. In this video, the mechanisms and implication of the presence of platelet satellitism is described making use of a case study.  

The Buffy smear is a VERY useful diagnostic in some serious conditions. Every medical student and doctor should know when and how to use it. Hope you enjoy this screencast!  

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is a commonly used laboratory test. In this video, the concepts underlying the mechanisms of a raised ESR as well as the interpretation of the test are explained in an easily understandable manner.