Reticulocyte
(Polychromatophilic Red Cell)
Peripheral blood smear, Wright-Giemsa, 1000x
Description:
A macrocytic red cell recently released from the bone marrow (young red cell) that has a grey-blue color and absent central palor.
Pathobiology:
The grey-blue color is due to residual ribosomal material in the cytoplasm.
Differential diagnosis:
- Normal peripheral blood smear (small numbers)
- Increased rate of red cell production
- Hemolytic anemias
- Bone marrow recovery from toxic insults (chemotherapy), deficiency states (iron, Vitamin B-12 or folate), and recent hemorrage
- Erythropoietin therapy
- Hypoxia
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Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP
Professor of Internal Medicine |
| Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology |
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| M.D. Degree: | University of Virginia, 1959 | |
| Residency: | Internal Medicine, University of Virginia | |
| Fellowship: | Hematology, University of Virginia | |
| Certification: |
Internal Medicine
Hematology |
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| Research Interests: | Hematologic malignancies, splenomegaly | |
| Department Web Site: | http://www.healthsystem.vir ginia.edu/internet/internal/ |
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| Phone: | (434) 924-2572 | |