This disturbance describes increased or decreased erythrocyte diameter in relation to the normal erythrocyte (normocyte).
ANISOCYTOSIS
This term is used to denote variations in cell size. Erythrocytes of various sizes are present in the same peripheral blood smear.
MICROCYTOSIS
Mycrocytosis is a decrease in the diameter of erythrocyte in relation to the normal erythrocyte. Erythrocytes with diameter < 6 µm are called mycrocytes. Mycrocyte has smaller both diameter and volume, but normal thickness and shape. Mycrocytes stain with lesser intensity in relation to normal erythrocytes. Mycrocytosis is present in many anemias (most often in sideropenic anemia). MCV < 85 fl.
MACROCYTOSIS
In macrocytosis erythrocytes have diameter larger than the diameter of a normal erythrocyte. Macrocyte is 9-10 m in diameter and has a biconcave discoid shape. In the peripheral blood smear macrocytes are of round shape. They are present in accelerated erythrocytopoiesis and in chronic diseases of the liver. MCV > 95 fl.
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