Blood/Blood Cells and Cellular Components ›› Red Blood Cells ›› Abnormal

Macrocytic RBC: MCV >100*


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› Microscopic Features:

• Slightly larger than a normal mature RBC which correlates to the MCV of >100 fL
• Round to oval in shape (lacks a nucleus similar to the normal RBC)
• Cytoplasm is pink-orange in color wth a central pallor (similar to a normal RBC)

› Normal % blood-PB, marrow-BM, lymphoid tissue-LN:

• PB: Rare to None
• BM: Rare to None
• LN: Rare to None

› May Resemble:

• Normal Mature RBC [Compare]
• Polychromatophilic RBC [Compare]
• Giant platelet (specially if hypogranular) [Compare]
• Elliptocyte (ovalocyte) [Compare]

› Differential Diagnoses:

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency Chemotherapy (e.g. Methotrexate) Liver disease Thyroid disease MDS

› Classic Immunophenotype:

• N/A

› Cartoon Image:


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for direct comparison
› Misc:

• Must rule out B12 or Folate deficiency