5. RBC Morphologies

Question 1

Large RBC (>8 μm in diameter; MCV >100 fL)

Answer 1

Macrocyte

Question 2

Large, oval RBC

Answer 2

Oval macrocyte

Question 3

Abnormal variation in RBC shape

Answer 3

Poikilocytosis

Question 4

Small, round, dense RBC with no central pallow

Answer 4

Spherocyte

Question 5

Cigar-shaped, oval-shaped RBC

Answer 5

Elliptocyte, ovalocyte

Question 6

RBC with slitlike area of central pallor

Answer 6

Stomatocyte

Question 7

Thin, dense, elongated RBC pointed at each end, may be curved

Answer 7

Drepanocyte/sickle cell

Question 8

Hexagonal crystal of dense Hgb formed within the RBC membrane

Answer 8

Hgb C crystal

Question 9

Fingerlike or quartzlike crystal of dense Hgb protruding from the RBC membrane

Answer 9

Hgb SC crystal

Question 10

RBC with Hgb concentrated under and around the periphery resembling a target

Answer 10

Codocyte/target cell

Question 11

Fragmented RBC resulting from rupture in the peripheral circulation

Answer 11

Schistocyte/schizocyte

Question 12

RBC fragment in the shape of a helmet

Answer 12

Keratocyte/helmet cell

Question 13

RBC with membrane folded over

Answer 13

Folded cell

Question 14

Small, dense RBC with few irregularly spaced projections of varying length

Answer 14

Acanthocyte/spur cell

Question 15

RBC with blunt/pointed, short projections that are usually evenly spaced over the surface of a cell

Answer 15

Echinocyte/Burr cell

Question 16

RBC with a single pointed extension resembling a pear

Answer 16

Dacryocyte/teardrop cell

Question 17

Morphologies seen in burns

Answer 17

Spherocyte
Schistocyte
Keratocyte

Question 18

Morphology seen in Hgb C and SC disease

Answer 18

Folded cell

Question 19

Abnormal variation in RBC volume/diameter

Answer 19

Anisocytosis