What term describes erythrocytes staining varying shades of lavender?

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Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What term describes erythrocytes staining varying shades of lavender?

Explanation:
Polychromasia describes erythrocytes that stain in more than one color on a Wright-stained smear. Immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) retain RNA, which stains a blue‑lavender color, so the smear shows a mix of pink mature cells and bluish-lavender immature cells. This color variation signals recent or increased red cell production. The other terms relate to different abnormalities: anemia is a condition; anisocytosis is variation in cell size; poikilocytosis is variation in cell shape.

Polychromasia describes erythrocytes that stain in more than one color on a Wright-stained smear. Immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) retain RNA, which stains a blue‑lavender color, so the smear shows a mix of pink mature cells and bluish-lavender immature cells. This color variation signals recent or increased red cell production. The other terms relate to different abnormalities: anemia is a condition; anisocytosis is variation in cell size; poikilocytosis is variation in cell shape.

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