The haematological emergency - Schistocytes - Calendar 2008 month 2

Author(s): H. Diem (1), R. Hinzmann, F. Forstreuter (2)
Institution(s): (1) Würmtal-Labor, 82131 Gauting; (2) Sysmex Europe GmbH, Norderstedt - Germany
References: The Sysmex Scientific Calendar 2008;
Photos and text: Heinz Diem, MD; text: Rolf Hinzmann, MD, PhD; Frauke Forstreuter, PhD
Last change of this image collection: 2008/01/01

Schistocytes can be observed in many different diseases. They are often an indicator of a life-threatening condition, therefore it is crucial to report their detection in peripheral blood immediately.

In the reticulocyte channel of the haematology analysers SYSMEX XE-5000, XE-2100 and XT-2000i schistocytes can be identified and quantified separately from both normal erythrocytes and platelets

Leukoerythroblastic condition and schistocytes in a patient with colorectal carcinoma. The occurrence of schistocytes (->) in tumour patients is sometimes an indication of tumour infiltration of the bone marrow.

Cancer cells in the bone marrow of the same patient confirm the suspicion.