RBC Cell Morphology Flashcards
variation in red cell shape
poikilocytosis
target cell (codocytes/mexican hat)
Increased surface to volume ratio
Spherocytes
Sphere with no central pallor (hyperchromia)
May have have high MCHC
Dysfunction in RBC cytoskeleton
Stomacyte (mouth in greek = stoma)
cause → RBC membrane cation permeability abnormality
Conditions → Alcoholism, hereditary stomacytosis, Rh null disease
ovalocyte
Cause → weakened RBC cytoskeleton that deforms under stress
Megaloblastic anemia + iron deficiency anemia
Elliptocytes
Appearance → pencil, rod with blunt ends. May stain bipolar (Hgb appears concentrated on ends)
cause → weakened RBC cytoskeleton that deforms under stress
Conditions → Hereditary elliptocytosis, iron deficiency anemia
Sickle cells (Drepanocytes)
Shape→ moon or sickle shape with sharp projecti9ons
cause→ hemoglobin S forming tactoids
Conditions → hemoglobinopatheis
Helmet cell (bite cell)
Cause → pitting
Clinical → G6PD deficency
Keratocyte (blister cells)
cause → RBC caught on fibrin in circulation ad fused around strand forming a vacuole
Clinical → DIC
Schistocyte
- extreme forms of red cell fragments
- trauma to the RBC membrane
- conditions → burns, DIC, TTP, renal graft rejections
Burr Cells
crenated cell in vitro
condition → dehydration
Achanthocyte
membrane cholesterol increased
Teardrop
Leptocyte
Howell Jolly Bodies
- single or double circles in periphery
- DNA remnants → Karyorrhexis
- Accelerated erythropoiesis (spleen cannot keep pitting pace up)