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RBC Morphology

TermDefinition
Anisocytosis Variation RBC size. Related to the MCV of the RBC indices.
Macrocyte Larger than normal cell.
Microcyte Smaller than normal cell.
Normochromic The normal color or red cells when we stain them with the Wright stain. Relates to the MCHC RBC indice.
Hypochromic Lack of color or red cells when we stain them with the Wright stain. Relates to the MCHC RBC indice.
Polychromasia Refer to an RBC with a blue tint to the cell and will often signify that the cell is young
MCHC Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration — How concentrated (close together) the hemoglobin is in your red blood cells.
MCV Mean Corpuscular Volume — Measures the average size of a subject's RBCs
RDW Red Cell Distribution Width — Measures differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells are usually about the same size.
Poikilocytosis Varitaiton RBC shape. Shape linked with disease conditions. Also linked with improper slide creation.
Normal RBC 6-8 micrometers Biconcave disk Red/Orange color Central pallor 1/3 of the cell
Spherocyte Small round compact RBC Increased MCHC MCV will be decreased or normal Dense and lack of central pallor Hereditary spherocytosis is a disease that displays spherocytes and is caused by a shearing of the RBC membrane in the spleen
Sickle Cell Most recognizable morphology. Elongated points on each end. S-shaped occasionally. Tied to hemoglobin S. RBCs with hemoglobin S sickle under hypoxic stress. Associated with sickle cell anemia.
Stomatocyte Looks like the eye of a goat. Can form naturally or unnaturally. Natural ones have more defined outlines. Can be hereditery or a symptom of alcoholism.
Ovalocytes and Elliptocytes Ovalcytes are egg-like. No straight edges. Elliptocites are rectangular. Two straight sides. Associated with iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and thalassemia major.
Target Cells Also called codocytes. Looks like a bull's eye. Can be an artifact of the drying process. Indicative of numerous diseases. Linked with hemoglobinopathies, thalassemia, IDA, and a splenectomy.
Acanthocytes aka Spur cells. Irregular spine-like projections. Linked with Abetalipoproteinemia, liver disease, and other diseases.
Schistocytes aka RBC fragments. Caused by the spleen and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Small pieces of RBC membrane. Seen in severe burn victims.
Crenated RBC aka Burr cells. Small evenly spaced projections. Mostly artifacts. Associated with neonates, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Teardrop Looks like a teardrop or pear. Linked to the causes of extramedullary hematopoiesis. Can be artifacts of bad slide making.
Rouleaux Looks like a stack of spilled coins. Caused by protein concentration in the plasma. "Sticky plasma"
Bite cell Looks like someone chomped on it. Caused by a cell defect. Spleen removes it.
Helmet cell A type of schistocyte. Looks like a Median helmet.
Created by: Agbona James
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