Schistocyte

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Schistocyte is a fragmented part of a red blood cell. They are irregularly shaped, jagged, and have two pointed ends and do not have central pallor. Schistocytes are sometimes referred to as “helmet cells”.

Seeing schistocytes, acanthocytes or target cells in a blood smear indicates microangiopathic anemia, which can be seen in these cases:

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura TTP
• ITP Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• Hemolytic Anemia AIHA IMHA
• Heartworm Disease
• Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)

 

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