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:

• Schistocyte (Helmet cell type) [Compare]
• Normal Mature RBC [Compare]

› Differential Diagnoses:

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

› Classic Immunophenotype:

• N/A

› Cartoon Image:


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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