Scientific Image Gallery
Red blood cells of a healthy individual showing a paler centre and a darker border. Occasionally the pale centre has an elongated shape (stomatocytes; at this frequency they have no pathological significance).
<p>Red blood cells of a healthy individual showing a paler centre and a darker border. Occasionally the pale centre has an elongated shape (stomatocytes; at this frequency they have no pathological significance).</p>
At the edge of a blood film normal red blood cells show no central pallor and look like spherocytes.
<p>At the edge of a blood film normal red blood cells show no central pallor and look like spherocytes.</p>
Red blood cells of a healthy individual. Normal red blood cells are a little smaller than the 'standard lymphocyte', which is pictured here.
<p>Red blood cells of a healthy individual. Normal red blood cells are a little smaller than the 'standard lymphocyte', which is pictured here.</p>
Trophozoites (rings) of Plasmodium falciparum are often thin and delicate, measuring on average 1/5 the diameter of the red blood cell. Rings may possess one or two chromatin dots. They may be found on the periphery of the RBC and multiple-infected RBC are not uncommon. Ring forms may become compact or pleomorphic, depending on the quality of the blood or if there is a delay in making smears.
<p>Trophozoites (rings) of Plasmodium falciparum are often thin and delicate, measuring on average 1/5 the diameter of the red blood cell. Rings may possess one or two chromatin dots. They may be found on the periphery of the RBC and multiple-infected RBC are not uncommon. Ring forms may become compact or pleomorphic, depending on the quality of the blood or if there is a delay in making smears. </p>
Schistocytes (->) and thrombocytopenia in a patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This disease, as well as for example thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), is a so-called 'microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia' (MAHA). Characteristic of MAHA is a responsive increase in the production of red blood cells and platelets whose immature precursors (reticulocytes and immature platelet fraction, IPF) can be measured on certain Sysmex analysers. On a blood film the differential diagnosis of MAHA is not possible.
<p>Schistocytes (->) and thrombocytopenia in a patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This disease, as well as for example thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), is a so-called 'microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia' (MAHA). Characteristic of MAHA is a responsive increase in the production of red blood cells and platelets whose immature precursors (reticulocytes and immature platelet fraction, IPF) can be measured on certain Sysmex analysers. On a blood film the differential diagnosis of MAHA is not possible.</p>
Schizont of Plasmodium malariae in malaria quartana.
<p>Schizont of Plasmodium malariae in malaria quartana.</p>
Cell description:
Size: 12-15 µm
Nucleus: clumped chromatin and mostly divided into 2-5 distinct segments connected with filaments
Cytoplasm: acidophilic with many fine reddish granules spread evenly Function: phagocytosis, play an important role in the unspecific immune defense, in the tissue they defend the mucosa against bacteria and fungi
<p>Cell description: </p> <p>Size: 12-15 µm </p> <p>Nucleus: clumped chromatin and mostly divided into 2-5 distinct segments connected with filaments </p> <p>Cytoplasm: acidophilic with many fine reddish granules spread evenly Function: phagocytosis, play an important role in the unspecific immune defense, in the tissue they defend the mucosa against bacteria and fungi</p>
White blood cells 600/μL, granulocytes 10% (absolute: 60/μL), haemoglobin concentration 6 g/dL and platelets 10,000/μL. Diagnosis: severe aplastic anaemia. Monitoring before stem cell transplantation.
<p>White blood cells 600/μL, granulocytes 10% (absolute: 60/μL), haemoglobin concentration 6 g/dL and platelets 10,000/μL. Diagnosis: severe aplastic anaemia. Monitoring before stem cell transplantation.</p>
In severe anaemia (here severe aplastic anaemia with a haemoglobin concentration of 4.8 g/dL) or in erythrocytosis with a haematocrit above 50% it is difficult to prepare a proper blood film, with the blood film being either too thin (anaemia) or too thick. In cases of erythrocytosis it might be necessary to dilute the blood sample beforehand.
<p>In severe anaemia (here severe aplastic anaemia with a haemoglobin concentration of 4.8 g/dL) or in erythrocytosis with a haematocrit above 50% it is difficult to prepare a proper blood film, with the blood film being either too thin (anaemia) or too thick. In cases of erythrocytosis it might be necessary to dilute the blood sample beforehand.</p>