How is abnormal variation in the shape of erythrocytes described?

The term that describes abnormal variation in the shape of erythrocytes is poikilocytosis. This condition indicates that red blood cells (RBCs) are not uniform in shape, which can be observed in various hematological disorders. The observation of poikilocytosis in a blood smear can provide valuable diagnostic information, as different shapes may be associated with specific types of anemia or other underlying health issues.

For instance, poikilocytosis can manifest as the presence of oval, tear-drop, or irregularly shaped red blood cells, each potentially indicating different pathological processes. Understanding poikilocytosis is critical for medical technologists in interpreting hematological data and contributing to accurate patient diagnoses.