Schistocytes

These are irregularly shaped assymetrical fragmented RBCs that may have several morphologic forms (e.g. Helmet cells, etc.). It is usually the result of mechanical disruption of the RBCs and many of which are generated by getting stuck to fibrin strands within the vessel wall (intravascular destruction) which may be secondary to a Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia such as HUS, TTP and DIC or a fibrin-independent destructive path such as being broken up by a mechanical heart valve.