RBC Shape
any abnormal cell shape
poikilocytosis
an RBC that has lost hemoglobin, leaving a peripheral ring of cytoplasm looking like a target
target cell
found in RBCs characterized by small, blue-staining granules, representing residual RNA.
basophilic stippling
refers to a paler than normal RBC. This can be caused by anemia.
hypochromasia
widely circulating cell fragments involved in primary coagulation.
platelet
an RBC fragment, usually seen in conjunction with spherocytes
schistocyte
refers to RBCs of varying size on a blood film
anisocytosis
basophilic nuclear remnants that are seen in young erythrocytes during the response to anemia. They present as small blue spots inside the cell.
Howell-Jolly Bodies
An arrangement of erythrocytes that appears as a column or stack. Normal in cats and horses.
rouleaux*
another name for platelets
thrombocyte
an intensely staining, smaller than normal RBC with no central pallor
spherocyte
refers to a smaller than normal RBC.
microcytosis
round structures that represent denatured hemoglobin inside the RBC that are caused by certain oxidant drugs or chemicals.
heinz bodies
an immature RBC that has a bluer than normal cytoplasm, but has lost its nucleus
rubricyte
an RBC with spiny projections of varying lengths distributed irregularly over its surface.
acanthocyte
is another name for a red blood cell or RBC
erythrocyte
an immature red blood cell that still contains a nucleus.
nucleated erythrocyte/nRBC
refers to an RBC that is staining darker (bluer) than expected. This is usually seen with immaturity.
hyperchromatophilic
RBC that has rolled up to look like a mouth.
stomatocyte