What is the term for the abnormal variation in the size of erythrocytes?

Anisocytosis refers to the abnormal variation in the size of erythrocytes (red blood cells). In healthy individuals, red blood cells tend to be uniform in size; however, anisocytosis indicates a significant difference in the sizes of these cells, which can be indicative of underlying health conditions or anemias. Such variations can affect the cells' performance in oxygen transport and can provide important diagnostic information regarding a patient’s hematological status.

The term is commonly used in hematology to describe this specific phenomenon and is often assessed during a complete blood count (CBC). It helps in evaluating the possibility of various disorders including nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, or chronic inflammatory states. Recognizing anisocytosis is crucial in interpreting lab results and guiding further clinical evaluation.