Arte?-Fact? - Acanthocytes - Calendar 2007 month 4

Author(s): H. Diem (1), R. Hinzmann (2)
Institution(s): (1) Würmtal-Labor, 82131 Gauting; (2) Sysmex Europe GmbH, Norderstedt - Germany
References: The Sysmex Scientific Calendar 2007
Photos and text: Heinz Diem, MD; text: Rolf Hinzmann, MD, PhD
Last change of this image collection: 2007/01/01

Prolonged storage of EDTA blood modifies the erythrocytes. Within a couple of hours morphological changes can already be detected. Hence the preparation of the blood film needs to be made within 6-8 hours. If there is any doubt, the blood film must be repeated with a fresh blood sample.

Acanthocytes with protrusions of differing lengths and widths as seen in acute hepatic failure. (This may be caused by modifications of the membrane-bound proteins.)

Echinocytes ('sea urchin cells') of a normal person resulting from prolonged storage of the EDTA blood (24 hours).

Large number of echinocytes of a normal person resulting from prolonged storage of the EDTA blood (48 hours).

Acanthocytes in the presence of A-β-lipoproteinaemia. In cases of dysfunctional lipid metabolism, the composition of erythrocyte membranes is disturbed.