Half Moon Cell

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Half Moon Cell is another name for a keratocyte. Keratocytes are types of poikilocytes caused by cell trauma & are shaped like a spindle or a half moon & are also called horn cells. They are a very important indicator for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

List of possible causes:

• DIC
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hemangiosarcoma (often with DIC)
• Hepatic diseases
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Haemolytic anaemia
• Lymphosarcoma
• Neoplasia (sometimes with DIC)
• Vascular prostheses such as a graft

See also poikilocytes 

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