Schistocyte
(Split Cell, Fragmented Red Cell)
Peripheral blood smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 500x
Description:
Fragmented or fragments of red cells. Schistocytes vary markedly in size and shape.
Pathobiology:
Results from mechanical damage to the red cell membrane, either in the circulation or in the bone marrow. May occur with normal or abnormal red cells.
Differential diagnosis:
- Impact hemolysis
- Myelodysplastic syndromes with dyserythropoiesis
- Severe burns
- Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis
For all publication requests, please complete the image permission form and we will respond to your request shortly.
![]() |
Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP [more information]
Professor of Internal Medicine
|
||||
