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Red Blood Cell Morphology Screening (Qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test examines the shape, size, and overall appearance of your red blood cells (RBCs) to identify any unusual features that might suggest underlying health conditions.

Quick summary

["Your RBCs’ shape and count help doctors spot potential blood disorders early."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53358-8
Short code
RBC clumps #/area Ur Comp Assist
Synonyms
RBC clumps #/area Ur Comp Assist
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
4.2
Ref high
5.9
Critical range
2 N/A – 7 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
computer-assisted
CPT
85041
SNOMED
900000000000003001
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, easy bruising, or unexplained anemia. It can also be part of a routine checkup or when investigating conditions like iron deficiency, infections, or blood disorders like sickle cell disease.

What to Expect

A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a healthcare professional. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for abnormalities in RBC shape, size, or clustering.

Common Findings

Normal RBCs are usually round and uniform in size. Abnormal findings might include microcytes (smaller than normal), macrocytes (larger than normal), spherocytes (small, round cells), or fragments (irregularly shaped pieces). Clumping or aggregation of RBCs may also be noted.

Possible Causes

Changes in RBC morphology can result from genetic conditions, infections, medications, or chronic diseases. For example, certain medications may cause RBCs to become fragmented, while anemia can lead to smaller or larger RBCs than usual.

Reference range

Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

RBC Morphology Check

Frequently asked questions

How Might This Affect My Health?
Abnormal RBC morphology can signal conditions like anemia, blood disorders (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease), or reactions to certain medications. Early detection can guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medications or managing chronic conditions.
When Should I Follow Up?
If your test results show abnormalities, your doctor may recommend further testing or monitoring, depending on your symptoms and medical history. They may also suggest lifestyle changes or additional blood tests to investigate the cause.
What Can I Do at Home?
While you can’t directly influence RBC morphology results, maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamins (like B12 and folate), and staying hydrated may support healthy blood cells. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as they can affect blood health.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy