Question : Comment on this blood film from an elderly male complaining of undue tiredness.
Answer : "The red cells are hypochromic and microcytic. One cell stands out as larger than the others and is stained a ""slate"" blue colour‚ i.e. shows polychromasia‚ the hallmark of a newly released red cell. Iron deficiency anaemia is commonly a symptom of chronic blood loss and this cause always requires consideration before any other. Young red cells inappropriately but universally referred to as reticulocytes complete their maturation in the hours following release into the circulation. There is loss of residual cytoplasmic RNA and consequently loss of basophilic staining. The remains of organelles are removed and the cell membranes are remodelled by the spleen‚ with some decrease in cell size."
Answer : "The red cells are hypochromic and microcytic. One cell stands out as larger than the others and is stained a ""slate"" blue colour‚ i.e. shows polychromasia‚ the hallmark of a newly released red cell. Iron deficiency anaemia is commonly a symptom of chronic blood loss and this cause always requires consideration before any other. Young red cells inappropriately but universally referred to as reticulocytes complete their maturation in the hours following release into the circulation. There is loss of residual cytoplasmic RNA and consequently loss of basophilic staining. The remains of organelles are removed and the cell membranes are remodelled by the spleen‚ with some decrease in cell size."
