Schistocytes or schizocytes are defined as circulating red blood cell fragments. Detection of schistocytes is an important clue for the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which includes both thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).

What is the significance of schistocytes?

Schistocytes or schizocytes are defined as circulating red blood cell fragments. Detection of schistocytes is an important clue for the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which includes both thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).

Where are schistocytes found?

Schistocytes, or “split” red cells, appear in the peripheral blood smear (>1% of total red cells)2 as an indication of the microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.