noun
- Plural of megaloblast; abnormally large immature red blood cells that develop in the bone marrow, typically resulting from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Usage: medical/hematology term; used in clinical and laboratory contexts
Examples
- The blood smear revealed numerous megaloblasts, indicating a possible B12 deficiency.
- Megaloblasts are characteristic findings in pernicious anemia.
- The laboratory technician identified megaloblasts during the routine bone marrow examination.
- Patients with megaloblastic anemia show increased numbers of megaloblasts in their bone marrow.
- The presence of megaloblasts prompted further investigation into the patient's nutritional status.