A 3-year-old child with basophilic stippling on CBC suggests poisoning with which element?

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Prepare for the BOC Clinical Chemistry Test with our comprehensive quiz. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness and confidence for the exam!

Multiple Choice

A 3-year-old child with basophilic stippling on CBC suggests poisoning with which element?

Explanation:
Basophilic stippling reflects disruption of red cell maturation caused by a toxin that blocks heme synthesis. Lead inhibits two enzymes in the heme pathway—ALA dehydratase and ferrochelatase—so heme production stalls and ribosomal RNA remnants accumulate in developing red cells, showing up as tiny blue dots on the smear. In a young child, this pattern is a classic sign of lead poisoning from environmental exposure (e.g., lead paint dust). While other toxins can cause various effects, the basophilic stippling pattern is most strongly linked to lead, making it the best explanation for this CBC finding.

Basophilic stippling reflects disruption of red cell maturation caused by a toxin that blocks heme synthesis. Lead inhibits two enzymes in the heme pathway—ALA dehydratase and ferrochelatase—so heme production stalls and ribosomal RNA remnants accumulate in developing red cells, showing up as tiny blue dots on the smear. In a young child, this pattern is a classic sign of lead poisoning from environmental exposure (e.g., lead paint dust). While other toxins can cause various effects, the basophilic stippling pattern is most strongly linked to lead, making it the best explanation for this CBC finding.

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