normocytisk

Normocytisk, or normocytic, describes red blood cells that are normal in size. It is used in hematology to categorize red cell morphology based on mean corpuscular volume (MCV). In adults, an MCV roughly 80–100 femtoliters (fL) is considered normocytic, though reference ranges vary by laboratory and age. A peripheral blood smear of a normocytisk sample shows red cells of typical diameter with normal shape; other indices such as mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) may be normal or near normal.

Normocytisk anemia refers to anemia with preserved cell size, as opposed to microcytic (smaller than normal) or macrocytic (larger than normal) anemia. Common causes include acute blood loss, anemia of chronic disease (inflammation, infection, cancer), aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemias, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Pregnancy and early iron deficiency can temporarily present with normocytic indices.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) may be normal in pure normocytic anemia but can be increased in mixed or evolving deficiencies. Distinguishing normocytic from other morphologies relies on MCV and red cell indices plus clinical context and additional tests: reticulocyte count helps differentiate production problems from loss or destruction; iron studies, vitamin B12/folate levels, and markers of hemolysis aid in etiologies.

In non-anemic individuals, normocytisk implies normal red cell size without evidence of pathology. The term reflects size-based classification rather than a specific disease.