Nucleated Red Blood Cells in Peripheral Blood: Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Approach

Hematological Disorders

• The presence of nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) in peripheral blood is a sign of dysplastic erythropoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), according to the American Society of Hematology 1, 2

Diagnostic Approach

• A complete blood count with peripheral blood smear examination is essential for diagnosing nRBCs, as recommended by the College of American Pathologists 3
• Bone marrow examination may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of nRBCs, as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 4
• Flow cytometry can help distinguish clonal from reactive causes of nRBCs, according to the European LeukemiaNet 5, 6