Red Blood Cell Morphology Qualitative Assessment (Manual Examination)
This test evaluates the overall appearance and diversity of red blood cells under a microscope, helping identify abnormalities that may signal underlying health conditions.
["Your doctor may use this to spot irregular cell shapes or counts that could indicate anemia, infections, or other blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 797-1
- Short code
- RBC # Snv Manual
- Synonyms
- RBC # Snv Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- 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
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
A manual microscopic review of your red blood cells is performed to assess their size, shape, color, and distribution. Abnormal findings might include spherocytes, elliptocytes, poikilocytes, or other irregular forms that differ from healthy red blood cells.
Why It’s Done
Doctors order this test when they suspect conditions like hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, or other inherited blood disorders. It can also help diagnose conditions causing hemolytic anemia or evaluate blood samples with unclear results from automated tests.
Sample Collection and Process
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The sample is spread thinly on a microscope slide and examined by a trained lab technician under high magnification. No special preparation is needed.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are qualitative (descriptive rather than numerical) and reported as normal or abnormal. Abnormal findings may include increased or decreased cell diversity, unusual shapes, or signs of fragmentation.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Qualitative red blood cell morphology is critical for diagnosing inherited blood disorders, detecting early signs of hemolytic anemia, or confirming suspected conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia. It complements automated blood counts by providing detailed visual information that numerical tests alone cannot capture.
Short name
Red Blood Cell Shape Check
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘qualitative’ result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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