Microcytosis

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Red cells are smaller than normal lymphocytes and significantly smaller than granulocytes.
If red cells are smaller than normal they are described as microcytic and if larger than normal as macrocytic. They are referred to as microcytes or macrocytes respectively.
Red cells of normal size are said to be normocytic. Microcytosis can be graded as +, ++ or +++ (mild, moderate or severe).

Test results
When RBC diameter < 6.4µm it is not normal. Found in iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, hyperthyroidism.
Most symptoms of iron deficiency are due to anemia. Such symptoms include fatigue, loss of stamina, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, and pallor. Fatigue also may result from dysfunction of iron-containing cellular enzymes.

Definitions of cells by shape
Spherocyte
Cell which is approximately spherical in shape so that it has lost its central pallor; the cell outline is regular
Microspherocyte
Spherocyte of reduced size and therefore diameter
Irregularly contracted cell
Cell of reduced size and diameter with a lack of central pallor but with an irregular outline
Elliptocyte
Cell with an elliptical outline
Ovalocyte
Cell with an oval outline
Teardrop poikilocyte
Cell shaped like a tear, less often known as a dacrocyte
Target cell
Cell with a more strongly staining area in the centre of the area of central pallor
Stomatocyte
Cell with a central slit or stoma
Keratocyte
Cell with two or four curved horn-shaped projections
Schistocyte (red cell fragment)
Fragment of a cell, usually angular; a microspherocyte is a particular type of schistocyte
Echinocyte (crenated cell)
Cell with its surface covered with 20–30 small, regular, blunt projections
Acanthocyte
Cell with its surface covered with two to twenty projections of irregular shape and irregularly distributed
Sickle cell
Cell with a sickle or crescent shape, caused by the presence of a high concentration of an abnormal haemoglobin known as haemoglobin S
Boat-shaped cell
Cell similar in shape to an elliptocyte but with both ends being pointed, usually indicative of the presence of haemoglobin S
SC poikilocyte
Bizarre poikilocyte formed when cells contain both haemoglobin S and haemoglobin C, having some curved edges and some square or rectangular protrusions




 
 
 
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All information on this page is intended for your general knowledge only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.