Blood/Blood Cells and Cellular Components ›› Red Blood Cells ›› Abnormal Bite Cell RBC* Click Here for Full Size › 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) Normal Mature RBC › Differential Diagnoses: Increased in: G6PD deficiency Unstable hemoglobin disorders Oxidative drug-effect › Classic Immunophenotype: N/A › Cartoon Image: Click and drag for direct comparison › 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