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What Causes Mild Poikilocytosis And Polychromasia?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2015
Question: What does mild Pokilocytosis and mild Polychromasia denote?
What is Elliptocytes - occasional means?
As per last report, RBC is 6.07 mil/cmm
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Poikilocytosis-variation in size & polychromasia-presence of immature RBCs

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Poikilocytosis refers to variation in shapes of red blood cells (RBCs).
Normally the RBCs are biconcave discs and appear round on peripheral blood smear with central 1/3 pallor.
Shape other than biconcave is called poikilocytosis.
Elliptocyte is a type of poikilocyte.
Poikilocytosis is seen in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, thallasemia etc.
Polychromasia refers to bluish discoloration of red blood cells on peripheral blood smear.
Polychromasia is seen when there is increase in immature blood cells on smear and it occurs in iron deficiency anemia (on treatment) commonly.
A red blood cell count of 6.07 million/ cubic millimeter is slightly above the normal range.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (3 hours later)
How can the Pokilocytosis and Polychromasia be cured and what precautions needs to be taken?

Which specialist doctor should be consulted?

While though a red blood cell count of 6.07 million/ cubic millimeter signifies slightly above the normal range, what should be done to bring the same within the permissible range.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Poikilocytosis, polychromasia can be corrected if underlying cause resolved

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The cause for poikilocytosis and polychromasia needs to be known to correct them.
A raised red blood cell count can be physiological like in people living at high altitude. The pathological conditions which cause high red blood cells count are myeloproliferative disorders.
It would be more informative if you could post the entire blood report.
You can refer to a hematologist for consultation.

Thanks
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (23 hours later)
Have uploaded my blood test report.

Request you to kindly recommend good Hematologist in the area of XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
There is anemia, most probably iron deficiency anemia,refer to a physician.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Thanks for posting your hematology report.
After studying your hematology report it is evident that your hemoglobin is low.
Low hemoglobin is called anemia.
The red blood cell morphology shows anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, microcytes, hypochromia and polychromasia.
All these terms mean that there is variation in size and chromia of red blood cells and you are most probably suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
There is nothing to panic.
Iron deficiency is a common in all parts of the country.
You can take up iron studies to determine the level of iron, ferritin, TIBC and transferrin saturation.
In case there is iron deficiency, iron supplements will help to correct the deficiency.
However, the cause for iron deficiency in an adult male needs to be investigated.
You may consult your physician for the anemia in case you do not find a hematologist.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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What Causes Mild Poikilocytosis And Polychromasia?

Brief Answer: Poikilocytosis-variation in size & polychromasia-presence of immature RBCs Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Poikilocytosis refers to variation in shapes of red blood cells (RBCs). Normally the RBCs are biconcave discs and appear round on peripheral blood smear with central 1/3 pallor. Shape other than biconcave is called poikilocytosis. Elliptocyte is a type of poikilocyte. Poikilocytosis is seen in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, thallasemia etc. Polychromasia refers to bluish discoloration of red blood cells on peripheral blood smear. Polychromasia is seen when there is increase in immature blood cells on smear and it occurs in iron deficiency anemia (on treatment) commonly. A red blood cell count of 6.07 million/ cubic millimeter is slightly above the normal range. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri