All of the following are true regarding the findings of peripheral smear in vitamin B12 deficiency except: March 2010: (A) Hypercellular marrow, (B) Poikilocytosis, (C) Hypersegmented neutrophils, (D) Microcytic red cells
Answer is D. Ans. D: Microcytic red cellsA peripheral smear in megaloblastic anemia shows:The classic hypersegmented polymorphonucleated cells having more than 5 nuclear lobules instead of normal three to four.Marrow is hypercellular as a result of marked hematopoietic precursors.The presence of red cells that are macrocytic and oval is highly characteristicAnisocvtosis and poikilocytosis