schistocyte

English

Peripheral blood smear showing numerous schistocytes in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Etymology

From Ancient Greek σχίζω (skhízō, “I split”) + κύτος (kútos, “vessel, jar”).

Noun

schistocyte (plural schistocytes)

1. A jagged red blood cell fragment without central pallor, consequent to passage through small vessels with microthrombi, leaky prosthetic heart valves etc.

Synonyms

• schizocyte
• helmet cell

Derived terms

• schistocytic
• schistocytosis

Anagrams

• stichocytes