(3a) Red blood Cell Morphology /
Abnormal findings
Normocytic/Normochromic (N/N) - ANS When observing RBC morphology, two
terms may be applied
Normal Red Blood Cell (discocytes) - ANS Round, have a small area of central
pallor and show only a slight variation in size.
Normocytic - ANS Refers to normal RBC size 6-8 nanometers
Normochromic - ANS Refers to the central zone of pallor, that should not occupy
more than one third of the cell.
Anisocytosis - ANS Indicates any variation in the size outside the normal RBC
diameter
Microcytic Red Blood Cell (Microcytosis) - ANS RBCs show a characteristic
decrease in size (less than 6 nanometers) in thalassemia and a variety of iron
deficiency anemias
Macrocytic Red Blood Cell (Macrocytosis) - ANS RBCs show an increase in size
(greater than 9 nanometers) liver disease, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency and
pernicious anemia. The macrocytes may appear slightly oval in shape.
Poikilocytosis - ANS This indicates a variation in the shape of red blood cells
Sickle Cells (Drepanocytes) - ANS Red blood cells in the shape of a sickle or
crescent.
Hemoglobin S - ANS Sickle cells are associated with ? and are found in sickle
cell anemia and ? disease
Spherocytes - ANS RBCs almost spherical in shape, not biconcave and do not
have a central zone of pallor. Smaller surface area and associated with hemolytic
anemia and hereditary spherocytosis
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