Blood/Blood Cells and Cellular Components ›› Red Blood Cells ›› Abnormal

Spur cell RBC (Acanthocyte)*


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› Microscopic Features:

• May be smaller or the size of a normal RBC
• Irregular narrow-base sharp projections of red cell membrane (looking like cowboy boot spurs)

› Normal % blood-PB, marrow-BM, lymphoid tissue-LN:

• PB: Rare to None
• BM: Rare to None
• LN: Rare to None

› May Resemble:

• Burr cell [Compare]
• Schistocyte [Compare]
• Spherocyte [Compare]
• Normal Mature RBC [Compare]

› Differential Diagnoses:

Increased in: End stage Liver disease (Cirrhosis) Abetalipoproteinemia McLeod or Lu blood group phenotype Post-splenectomy Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (as seen in DIC, TTP and HUS) Artifact Etc.

› Classic Immunophenotype:

• N/A

› Cartoon Image:


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› Misc:

• Rare Spur cells may be seen in a blood smear which may be due to the very old RBCs that are reaching their end of life. (Note: life span of an RBC is ~ 4 months)