The use of an image analysing computer for the quantitation of red cell morphological characteristics

Measurements of integrated optical density and projected area of red cells have been made on Romanowsky-stained blood films from 25 subjects using an image analysing computer. Close correlation was observed between mean cell projected area and MCV and between mean cell integrated optical density and MCH. Mean values for the quotient of cell integrated density/cell projected area (mean cell colour density) correlated with MCHC. Varieties of cell area and colour density correlated subjectively with anisocytosis and anisochromasia, and histograms of these parameters demonstrated dual populations. The clinical application of these findings is discussed.