Question
Identify the cell as marked by a “black arrow” in the blood smear of a patient given below?
A. Codocytes.
B. Spur cells.
C. Burr cells.
D. Helmet cells.
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » C Explanation |
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Ans: C. Burr Cells.
- The cells marked by a black arrow in the blood smear of a patient given above represents burr cells.
- It refers to a form of red blood cell that has an abnormal cell membrane characterized by many small, evenly spaced thorny projections.
- Echinocytes, more commonly referred to as burr cells, are reversible, meaning that this alteration can be the result of the cell’s environment, pH of the medium (including the glass slides on which blood smears are made), the metabolic state of the cell, and the use of some chemical substances.
- Echinocytes can be distinguished from acanthocytes by the shape of the projections, which are smaller and more numerous than in acanthocytes and are evenly spaced.
- Echinocytes also exhibit central pallor, or lightening of color in the center of the cell under Wright staining.
Seen in cases of-
- Liver disease
- Renal disease
- Severe burns
- Bleeding gastric ulcers
- Maybe artifact.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and hemolytic anemia in long-distance runners
