macrocytosis
Học thuậtThân thiện
A medical technician examines a blood smear showing macrocytosis under a microscope.
Definition
- Noun:
- A medical condition characterized by the presence of macrocytes in the blood: "Macrocytosis" is a laboratory finding indicating that a significant number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) are larger than normal. It is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying condition.
Usage
- "Macrocytosis" is a technical term used primarily in medical, clinical, and hematological contexts. It describes an abnormal result in a complete blood count (CBC) test.
- It is typically used as a singular, uncountable noun (e.g., ).
Examples
- Noun:
- The routine blood test revealed mild macrocytosis.
- Macrocytosis is often associated with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
- The doctor investigated the cause of the persistent macrocytosis.
Advanced Usage
- "Macrocytosis without anemia": This phrase describes a situation where the red blood cells are enlarged, but the overall red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels are within the normal range.
- The patient's lab results showed macrocytosis without anemia, which required further evaluation.
Variants and Related Words
- Macrocyte (n): An abnormally large red blood cell. This is the cell whose presence defines macrocytosis.
- Under the microscope, the technician observed numerous macrocytes.
- Macrocytic (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by macrocytes.
- She was diagnosed with a macrocytic anemia.
Synonyms
- Macrocythaemia (n): A less common synonym, primarily used in British English.
- Megalocytosis (n): A near-synonym sometimes used interchangeably, though it can imply more severe enlargement.
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning of "macrocytosis" is strictly hematological. It does not have figurative, idiomatic, or non-medical meanings.
- The condition can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies (B12, folate), liver disease, hypothyroidism, certain medications, and bone marrow disorders.
A medical technician examines a blood smear showing macrocytosis under a microscope.
Noun
- the presence of macrocytes in the blood