Expert: Karen Brawner - 5/5/2005

Question
In 2001 during a yearly physical I complained of being tired all of the time so my doctor did a full blood panel and found I had small red blood cells. After a 2nd test confirmed the 1st I was sent to a hematologist for more blood work. The hematologist said I had a chronic illness but whatever it was it seemed to be doing ok right then. He encouraged me to have yearly blood screens to keep an eye on things. This year I again had small red blood cells and they described them as "shiny". With that said, does blood cell shape indicate disease or not? and what does the shiny description mean to me? good, bad, ugly? I have emailed you recently about SLE and I am checking into a doctor at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) whose emphasis is on Lupus. Anyway, you were so quick to respond last time I am asking again. Thanks, Belinda

Answer
Dear Belinda,   I am not a hematologist, but aI did a little research about blood cells and from what I gather, shiny basically means the red blood cells still contain hemoglobin..

As for the size, small red blood cells usually indicate anemia....  Like I said, I am not a hematologist and you really need to talk with your doctor and ask him these questions...

thank you,   karen