What does poikilocytosis refer to in red blood cells?

Poikilocytosis refers specifically to changes in the shape of red blood cells (RBCs). Abnormal shapes can indicate various underlying health issues or abnormalities in erythropoiesis. For instance, the presence of poikilocytes—cells that exhibit a variety of shapes, such as sickle cells, teardrop cells, or ovalocytes—can provide valuable diagnostic information related to anemia or other hematological conditions.

Understanding that poikilocytosis focuses on shape changes helps differentiate it from other terms related to red blood cell characteristics, such as anisocytosis, which refers to variation in size, and other potential descriptors like those referring to color variation or the presence of reticulocytes. Therefore, recognizing the significance of poikilocytosis in clinical practice can aid in diagnosing and managing various blood disorders effectively.