Question

2. Review the red cell morphology on the slide labeled elliptocytes. Compare and describe the shape of these red cells with those seen on the sickle cell (S/S) slide.

Answer 1

2.

Red blood cells are the one of the blood elements also known as erythrocytes. These are having haemoglobin ( red pigment) which gives red appearance.

Normally red blood cells are biconcave shaped, disc like structure with central pallor(about 3 microns) and thick color edges. Normal size of RBC is 7-8 microns.

RBC morphology in slide labelled as elliptocytes:-

Elliptocytes also known as ovalocytes in which red blood cells are appears oval to elongated gives egg shape or rod or pencil or cigar shape with central pallor and edges pigmented.

Edges of the RBCs are blunt not sharp like in sickle cell.

Elliptocytes are seen in Iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hereditary elliptocytosis, thalassemia etc.

RBC morphology in sickle cell slide:-

In sickle cell disease RBC are in the sickle shape with sharp edges. Reduced oxygen , low pH and high temperature makes the RBC to become sickle shaped.

Sickle cell disease is autosomal dominant genetic disorder.

See the below picture for better understanding

Sharp edge Central Central pallor pallor (Rod shapel oooo) dges Biconcave shape Normal RBC Elliptocytes Sickle cell