Year: 2025 | Month: February | Volume: 15 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 295-301
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250239
RBC Histograms: New Trends in Data Interpretation at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Dr Shashikala K1, Dr Deepali Singh2, Dr Ilakiya S3, Dr Swati Mishra4, Dr Jyothi A Raj5
Professor, Residents, Professor and H.O.D.;
Department Of Pathology, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital (Dr M.G.R Educational and Research Institution), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Corresponding Author: Dr Shashikala K.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Histograms are graphic representation of cell frequencies verses size. RBC histogram with complete blood cell counts by automated analyzer provides an idea about morphological changes of RBCs in anemia. Peripheral smear examination (PBS) helps in diagnosing anemias by visualizing abnormal shape, size and immature red cells. This study was intended to analyze various types of anemia.
OBJECTIVE: To study automated histogram patterns in various anemias and to know the utility and advantage of red cell histograms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present prospective study was carried out in the Haematology Laboratory of RRMCH, Bangalore from October 2022-March 2023. EDTA blood sample from patients of anemia was run on SYSMEX XN-1000i, six-part analyzer. The hematological investigations and RBC histogram were obtained by analyzer. Peripheral smears were done and stained with Leishman's stain. A detailed history was obtained. Those who had medical treatment for anemia and blood transfusion in last three months were excluded.
RESULTS: The present study included 200cases among which in order of frequency, MHA (64%) was more common followed by NNA (19%), Dimorphic anaemia (10%), Macrocytic anemia (3%), Hemolytic (2%) and pancytopenia (2%) as categorized by peripheral smear examination. Majority of cases were found in the age group, 31-40 yrs. Female cases (57%) were more than Males (43%). In RBC histogram defects, the majority had a broad base (36%) followed by left shift (35%), normal curve (17%), bimodal peak (5%), right shift (5%) and short peak (4%). A correlation between peripheral smear with RBC histogram was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.05 and chi square value 174.21.
CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study shows automated analyzer correlated well with PBS in cases of macrocytic and dimorphic anemia, compared to normocytic normochromic and microcytic hypochromic anaemia. As, RBC histogram with RBC indices and PBS are supplementary to each other, both should be used in conjunction for accurate diagnosis.
Key words: Histograms, Anemias, Automated hematology analyzer, Peripheral smear