Polychromatophilia

Answer 1

Definition

Polychromatophilia (also called polychromasia) is an excessive number of abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream. These RBCs are called polychromatophil cells.

In lab tests, these RBCs stain with different types of dyes, and look different than normal red cells. (The term "polychromatophilia" means an attraction to multiple colors.)

Alternative Names

Polychromasia

References

Newland JR. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 161.

Answer 2

Definition

Polychromatophilia (also called polychromasia) is an excessive number of abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream. These abnormal RBCs have a blue-colored center.

These abnormal RBCs are most often seen when the bone marrow needs to make more because of a certain medical condition, such as hemolytic anemia.

Alternative Names

Polychromasia

References

Newland JR. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 161.

Marks PW, Glader B. Approach to anemia in the adult and child. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 34.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/13/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.