The diagnosis of poikilocytosis involves the analysis of a blood smear. A hematologist or a histologist will prepare a thin layer of blood on a microscope slide, stain it, and then examine it under a microscope. The various shapes of RBCs are noted, and their prevalence is assessed. Common shapes observed include:
- Schistocytes: Fragmented RBCs often seen in hemolytic anemia. - Spherocytes: Spherical RBCs that lack the normal biconcave shape, seen in hereditary spherocytosis. - Elliptocytes: Oval-shaped RBCs common in hereditary elliptocytosis. - Target Cells: RBCs with a bullseye appearance, often found in liver disease and thalassemia.
