FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Spherocytes

Spherocytosis are cells that lack central pallor and are spherical in shape (they have lost their membrane without losing the cytosol).

Causes:

  • Hereditary spherocytosis
  • Warm and cold AIHA
  • Immediate and delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction
  • ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn
  • Drug-induced haemolytic anaemia
  • Burns
  • Cold agglutinin disease
Spherocytes. Peripheral blood film from a patient with hereditary spherocytosis. Note the numerous dense, almost perfectly circular red cells which lack the characteristic central pallor.
Peripheral blood film from a patient with hereditary spherocytosis. Note the numerous dense, almost perfectly circular red cells which lack the characteristic central pallor.
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