Erythrocyte fragment, 2-4 µm in diameter, due to localized membrane damage.
Size:
2-4 µm
Shape:
Fragmented or irregularly contracted cells, varying in size from small triangular cells to cells of near normal size with markedly irregular outlines.
Significance:
Found in patients with congenital hemolytic anemia and megaloblastic anemias. Schizocytes are also formed in hemolytic anemias due to mechanical stress (micro-angiopathy, heart valve prosthesis, severe burns), cancer and myelofibrosis.
