Oval red blood cells

Oval red blood cells (elliptocyte): The cells are oval, rod-shaped, and the length can be 3 to 4 times larger than the width. The maximum diameter can reach 12.5 & mu; m and the transverse diameter can be 2.5 & mu; m. Such red blood cells are placed in a hypertonic, isotonic, hypotonic solution or normal human serum, and their oval shape remains unchanged, but the young red blood cells and reticulocytes are not oval. In blood smears of patients with hereditary oval cell cytosis, the proportion of such red blood cells can reach 25%, or even 75% (normal people account for about 1%).

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.