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

Bite Cell RBC*


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Microscopic Features:
  • Usually slightly smaller than a normal RBC
  • The RBC has a "bitten" appearance (like a bitten apple)
Normal % blood-PB, marrow-BM, lymphoid tissue-LN:
  • PB: Rare to None
  • BM: Rare to None
  • LN: Rare to None
May Resemble: Differential Diagnoses:

Increased in:
G6PD deficiency
Unstable hemoglobin disorders
Oxidative drug-effect

Classic Immunophenotype:
  • N/A
Cartoon Image:



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RBC
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Misc:
  • Commonly associated with disorders in which precipitated oxidized hemoglobin on RBC membrane (e.g. Heiz bodies in RBCs of G6PD patients) is removed as they pass through the spleen ultimately forming a bite-shape RBC appearance



Content Editors/Website Administrators:
Hooman H. Rashidi, MD; John C. Nguyen, MD