Have you ever wondered what exactly happens when a phlebotomist draws your blood and fills tubes up for lab testing? What exactly are in the tubes and is true that there are some red blood cells that look different? Well, let me tell you. Yes, erythrocytes, also called red blood cells (RBCs) come in different shapes and sizes. Hematology involves the study of the physiology of blood and the clinical significance pertaining to laboratory testing. As a result, it’s important to know what exactly red blood cells look like and what they actually mean in terms of shape. Aniscotosis is variation in size and poikilocytosis is the difference in shape.
In order to remember different lists, common names and information in general, I like to make mnemonics. As a result, get ready to meet characters that will help you remember RMC disorders. Join me as we encounter Mac, Mike, Hero, Eli, Matt, Cody, Cathy, China, Darwin, Chris, Sally, and Raul. I made a name for each morphology as well as common illnesses they are associated with.
Macrocyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Mac)
“Mac was 12 years old when he got to live in a neon red house and was always late.”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Liver disease
- Folate deficiency
- Neonates
- Reticulocytosis
Microcyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Mike)
“Mike, a tall leader in the show got to iron the side of his hem.”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia minor
- Lead poisoning
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Sideroblastic anemia
Spherocyte Menomincs and Disorders (Meet Hero SP)
“The hero got a severe burn when he transfused.”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Severe burns
- Hemolytic anemia
- Transfused cells
Elliptocyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Eli)
“Eli ironed his tall mega oval hair”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Thalassemia major
Stomatocyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Matt)
“Matt lived his life drinking rhed alcohol”
Common Disorders/Illnesses
- Liver disease
- Rh null phenotype
- Alcoholism
Codocyte (Target Cell) Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Cody)
“Cody had a splendid time ironing old clothes.”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Splenectomy
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Obstructive liver disease
Acanthocyte (Spurr) Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Cathy)
“Cathy had a splendid time at the mall where she bought an Eager hippo and she lived made a bet to live happily.”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Severe liver disease
- Splenectomy
- Malabsorption
- Hypothyroidism
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Abetalipoproteinemia
Echinocyte (Burr cell) Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet China)
“China bought a pure neon mic at new york”
Common disorders/illness
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Neonates
- Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
- Uremia
Dacryocyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Darwin)
“Darwin had a tall primary fit with his extra cat”
Common disorders/illness
- Primary myelofibrosis
- Thalassemia
- Other causes of extramedullary hematopoiesis
Schistocyte Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Chris)
“Chris had a huge tip for his daughter who severely liked red crafts”
Common disorders/illnesses
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
- DIC
- Severe burns
- Renal graft rejection
Sickle cell Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Sally)
“Sally had to go home”
Common Disorders/Illnesses
- Hemoglobin S disease
- Sometimes hemoglobin SC disease
Rouleaux Mnemonics and Disorders (Meet Raul)
“Raul was a cute inner dude and had a pleasant life.”
Common Disorders/Illnesses
- Acute and chronic inflammatory disorders
- Plasma cell myeloma
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
Red blood cells come in many different sizes and shape and it’s important to know their characteristics. There are a lot of disorders associated with variation in shapes and sizes. Understanding the different diseases associated with the RBCs helps medical laboratory scientists assist doctors in diagnosing patients. Whether it’s learning about hematology, bloodbanking, microbiology, or chemistry, different disciplines work together to help the patient. And it all starts with the collection of a tube.