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Peripheral blood smear in patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Typical schistocytes are annotated. A schistocyte or schizocyte (from Greek schistos for "divided" and kytos for "hollow" or "cell") is a fragmented part of a red blood cell. Schistocytes are typically irregularly shaped, jagged, and have two pointed ends. [1]
Modern complete blood count analyzers can provide an automated white blood cell differential, but they have a limited ability to differentiate immature and abnormal cells, so manual examination of the blood smear is frequently indicated. [5] [6] Blood smear examination is the preferred diagnostic method for certain parasitic infections, such as ...
The clinical presentation of TMA, although dependent on the type, typically includes: fever, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (see schistocytes in a blood smear), kidney failure, thrombocytopenia and neurological manifestations.
The diagnosis of degmacytes is performed by using a peripheral blood smear to analyze the red blood cells in the blood. The degmacyte look similar to a "bitten apple", which is their defining feature. However, bite cells may be difficult to distinguish from helmet cells, a fragmented red blood cell, due to the similarity in shape. [6]
Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia may be suspected based on routine medical laboratory tests such as a CBC (complete blood cell count). Automated analysers (the machines that perform routine full blood counts in most hospitals) are designed to flag blood specimens that contain abnormal amounts of red blood cell fragments or schistocytes. [2]
In some cases, a peripheral blood smear may show schistocytes, anisocytosis, polychromasia, or poikilocytosis. [7] Direct antiglobulin testing is the only way to confirm DIIHA. Direct antiglobulin testing can determine if complement C3 antibody and/or immunoglobulin G is bound to the red blood cell membrane. [4]
A study in the British Medical Journal found that one month of abstinence resulted in marked positive health changes –improved insulin resistance, lower blood pressure, and a reduction in cancer ...
Direct examination of blood under a microscope in a peripheral blood smear may demonstrate red blood cell fragments called schistocytes, red blood cells that look like spheres (spherocytes), and/or red blood cells missing small pieces .