First Aid: Pathologic RBC forms

Question 1

Disorders you see Macro-ovalocytes in

Answer 1

1. Megablastic anemias (Vit B12/ folate deficiency) + hypersegmented neutrophils/PMNs

Question 2

Disorders you see Schistocytes/Helmet cells in

Answer 2

1. Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (DIC, TTP, HUS, HELLP syndrome and mechanical hemolysis): fragmented RBC

Question 3

Disorders you see Spherocytes in

Answer 3

Small, spherical cells without central pallor

1. Hereditary spherocytosis
2. AIHA
3. Drugs and infection-induced hemolytic anemias

Question 4

Disorders you see Target cells in

Answer 4

HALT: said the Hunter to his target!

1. HbC disease
2. Asplenia
3. Liver disease
4. Thalassemia

Question 5

Disorders you see Basophilic Stippling in

Answer 5

Aggregation of RNA precipitate

1. Thalassemias
2. Sideroblastic anemias (lead poisoning + myelodysplastic syndromes) Aggregation of RNA precipitate

Question 6

Disorders you see Schistocytes/Helmet cells in

Answer 6

1. Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (DIC, TTP, HUS, HELLP syndrome and mechanical hemolysis): fragmented RBC

Question 7

Disorders you see Heinz bodise in

Answer 7

G6PD deficieny: preciptiation of Hb due to oxidative stress. When phagocytes remove Heinz bodies => forms a bite cell

Question 8

Howell Jolly bodies

Answer 8

Functional hyposplenia or asplenia (hereditary spherocytosis and sickle cell anemia)