Which term refers to increased variation in the shape of red blood cells?

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Multiple Choice

Which term refers to increased variation in the shape of red blood cells?

Poikilocytosis is the variation in red blood cell shapes seen on a peripheral smear. The term comes from poikilos, meaning varied, and cyt- cell, so it specifically describes differing shapes rather than sizes. That’s why it’s the best term for “increased variation in the shape of red blood cells.” By contrast, anisocytosis refers to variation in size, microcytosis to smaller-than-normal cells, and macrocytosis to larger-than-normal cells. So the presence of many differently shaped cells points to poikilocytosis.

Poikilocytosis is the variation in red blood cell shapes seen on a peripheral smear. The term comes from poikilos, meaning varied, and cyt- cell, so it specifically describes differing shapes rather than sizes. That’s why it’s the best term for “increased variation in the shape of red blood cells.” By contrast, anisocytosis refers to variation in size, microcytosis to smaller-than-normal cells, and macrocytosis to larger-than-normal cells. So the presence of many differently shaped cells points to poikilocytosis.

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