Oxidative Haemolysis

Blood film features:

• Bite cells
• Blister cells
• Irregularly-contracted cells
• Spherocytes
• Polychromasia

Investigations:

• Heinz body test
• Glucose-6-phosphade dehydrogenase (G6PD) quantification

Differential diagnosis

• G6PD deficiency
• Drugs (e.g. dapsone, Bactrim, sulphasalazine)
• Unstable haemoglobins

Other resources:

• ASH Image Bank: Oxidative Hemolysis
• ASH Image Bank: Oxidative Hemolysis from Carfilzomib