What does dimorphic blood film mean?
Dimorphic is a term used to describe two circulating red cell populations. One is the patient’s basic red cell population; the other is a second population with distinct morphological features. The distinct populations can be observed in the top image on the right.
What is an indicator of anemia in peripheral smear examination?
Anisocytosis — variable sizes of red blood cells may indicate anemia; RBCs smaller than normal are referred to as microcytes and RBCs larger than normal are called macrocytes.
What is dimorphic Anaemia?

DEFINITION. Dimorphic anaemia is an anaemia which is due to two deficiencies, iron- deficiency and that of nutritional macrocytic anaemia. It is thus iron-deficiency anaemia complicated by nutritional macrocytic anaemia or may equally well be regarded as nutritional macrocytic anaemia complicated by iron-deficiency.
What does it mean when Burr cells are present?
The presence of cells called burr cells may indicate: Abnormally high level of nitrogen waste products in the blood (uremia)
What causes dimorphic anemia?
Dimorphic anemia is mainly caused due to two deficiencies, iron-deficiency, and nutritional macrocytic anemia. It is, therefore, iron-deficiency anemia complicated by nutritional macrocytic anemia or may be regarded as vice versa condition.

What does the term dimorphic mean?
Definition of dimorphism : the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: such as. a : the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population sexual dimorphism. b : the existence of a part (such as leaves of a plant) in two different forms.
What lab values indicate Normocytic anemia?
Normocytic anemia is defined when the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is between 80 and 100 femtolitres (fL), which is within the normal and expected range. However, the hematocrit and hemoglobin are decreased.
What lab values indicate iron deficiency anemia?
In an individual who is anemic from iron deficiency, these tests usually show the following results: Low hemoglobin (Hg) and hematocrit (Hct) Low mean cellular volume (MCV) Low ferritin.
What does basophilic stippling indicate?
Basophilic stippling is a frequent manifestation of hematologic disease in the peripheral blood, and it is also observable in bone marrow aspirates. It is implicated in cases of lead poisoning but can be an indicator of various heavy metal toxicities.
What disease causes burr cells?
Burr cells have been described in association with a variety of disorders, including the following: hemolytic anemia of various causes, kidney disease, liver disease, vitamin E deficiency, increased intracellular calcium, alkalosis, and drug-induced (mesna, 5-fluorouracil, and benzodiazepines).
What is the interpretation of MCV when there is presence of dimorphic population of RBC?
MCV, as well as MCH and MCHC, reflect average values and may not adequately reflect RBC changes where mixed RBC populations are present, such as dimorphic RBC populations in sideroblastic anemia or combined iron deficiency anemia (decreased MCV and MCH) and megaloblastic anemia (increased MCV).
What is an example of dimorphic?
Sexual Dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference in form between individuals of different sex in the same species. For example, in some species, including many mammals, the male is larger than the female. In others, such as some spiders, the female is larger than the male.
What causes dimorphic red blood cell populations in blood smear?
The peripheral blood smear shows that there are two distinct red blood cell populations present. The different red blood cell populations that may be seen are normocytic/normochromic, microcytic/hypochromic, macrocytic/normochromic.1,2 The cause for the formation of a dimorphic red blood cell population varies depending on the clinical condition.
What is the clinico-hematological profile of dimorphic anemia?
We read with great interest the article “Clinico-hematological profile of dimorphic anemia” by Garg et al. [1] Dimorphic anemia, morphologically characterized by two cell population, strongly suggests a dual deficiency of iron and Vitamin B12/folate.
What are the causes of dimorphic anemia?
Other causes of dimorphic anemia include iron deficiency anemia responding to iron therapy, after transfusion of normal blood to a patient with a hypochromic anemia, sideroblastic anemia, macrocytic anemia posttransfusion, the unmasking of iron deficiency following treatment of megaloblastic anemia, and delayed transfusion reactions.
What are the different red blood cell populations found in peripheral smear?
The peripheral blood smear shows that there are two distinct red blood cell populations present. The different red blood cell populations that may be seen are normocytic/normochromic, microcytic/hypochromic, macrocytic/normochromic.1,2