Fragmented red blood cells

AKA schistocytes and helmet cells are irregularly shaped assymetrical fragments of RBCs that may have several morphologic forms. It is usually the result of mechanical disruption of the RBCs. They can be generated by getting stuck to fibrin strands within the vasculature secondary to an underlying Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia such as HUS, TTP and DIC or broken up by a mechanical heart valve).