Red Cell Characteristics Related to Color

Color of Erythrocytes

  • In addition to the amount of hemoglobin present, the color of the cell must also be considered. Completely mature red cells appear buff-colored, while slightly immature non-nucleated red cells (reticulocyte stage) appear blue/gray on Wright's stained smears due to the presence of residual ribonucleic acid (RNA).
  • The terms used to describe these cells are polychromasia or polychromatophilia. Polychromatophilic cells are frequently larger in size than mature red cells and can be distinguished from both types of macrocytes by this distinctive color.


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