Red Blood Cell (RBC) Morphology

Authors: Martha MacPherson, R.T. and Marjorie A. Spahn, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewers: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Hematology): 1 hour(s)

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All major aspects of red cell morphology are reviewed in this richly illustrated interactive course that uses numerous photomicrographs to identify and heighten study of morphologic abnormalities in red cell size, shape, and color. This course is ideal for review by techs and students and use in continuing education and cross training.

Objectives

  • Discuss the procedure for proper red blood cell examination with respect to:
    • objective(s) used
    • area examined
  • Discuss various aspects of red cell morphology related to cell:
    • size
    • color
    • shape

Course Outline

  • Introduction to Red Cell Morphology
    • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Morphology
    • Assessing RBC Morphology: Area of Evaluation
    • Normal RBCs
    • Abnormal RBCs
    • Artifactual Morphology
    • Which of the following are reasons for evaluating red cell morphology as part of the differential procedure?
    • Match the following red blood cell (RBC) observations with the area of the peripheral blood smear that is being observed.
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Size
    • MCV and Anisocytosis
    • Normal RBC Size
    • Microcytes
    • Microcyte with Normal Hemoglobin Content
    • Macrocytes
    • Another Example of Macrocytosis
    • The red blood cells indicated by the arrows have diameters greater than 9 µm and decreased central pallor. How would you report these cells?
    • Which of the following statements can be made about the red blood cells (RBCs) that are seen in the image?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Color
    • Hemoglobin Concentration
    • Normochromic Red Cells
    • Hypochromia and Hyperchromia
    • Hypochromia
    • Polychromatophilic Red Blood Cells
    • How would you characterize the red blood cells (RBCs) in this image?
    • How would you characterize the RBCs in this image?
    • What type of cells are indicated by the arrows in this slide?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Shape
    • Poikilocytosis
    • Red Cell Variations in Shape
    • Acanthocytes
    • Acanthocytes, continued
    • Target Cells (Codocytes)
    • Target Cells, continued
    • Teardrop Cells (Dacrocytes)
    • Teardrop Cells, continued
    • Sickle Cells (Drepanocytes)
    • Sickle Cells, continued
    • Burr Cells (Echinocytes)
    • Elliptocytes (Ovalocytes)
    • Elliptocytes, continued
    • Fragmented Red Blood Cells
    • Prekeratocytes or Blister Cells
    • Keratocytes
    • Keratocytes, continued
    • Spherocytes
    • Conditions Associated with Spherocytes
    • Stomatocytes
    • Stomatocytes, continued
    • Summary
    • What type of red blood cells are indicated by the arrows in this image?
    • What are the abnormal red blood cells indicated by the arrows in this image?
    • What are the abnormal red cells indicated by the arrows in this field?
    • What are the cells that are indicated by the arrows in this field?
    • What are the predominant abnormal forms seen in this slide?
    • What are the abnormal cells indicated by the arrows in this image?
  • Red Cell Characteristics Related to Cell Arrangement
    • Rouleaux and Autoagglutination
    • True Rouleaux
    • Artifactual Rouleaux
    • Autoagglutination
    • Another Example of Autoagglutination
    • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
    • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
    • How would you describe the arrangement of RBCs on this slide?
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.  
Author Information: This course was developed by Martha MacPherson, R.T. and Marjorie A. Spahn, MLS(ASCP), and was updated by Education Materials for Health Professionals, Inc., under the supervision of Marjorie Spahn MLS(ASCP). It was adapted for online use by MediaLab.
The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM is currently an Education Developer for MediaLab by Vastian. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Course Description: This course describes in detail the morphology of RBCs and their morphological variations in regard to size, shape, and color.  
Copyright: Copyright EMHP Inc., Dayton, OH. Licensed to MediaLab, Lawrenceville, GA. The web-based version was produced solely by MediaLab.