Scientific Image Gallery
Welcome to our Scientific Image Gallery. Here you can find real-life examples of cell images, mostly (but not only) from peripheral blood films, that illustrate typical morphologic characteristics pointing to specific conditions or disorders. This constitutes their diagnostic value.
Click on an image to enlarge it and display a short description.
Large red blood cell with basophilic stippling (between the two lymphocytes) in a case of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). To the right, next to the lower lymphocyte, there is a polychromatic red blood cell.
<p>Large red blood cell with basophilic stippling (between the two lymphocytes) in a case of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). To the right, next to the lower lymphocyte, there is a polychromatic red blood cell.</p>
Red blood cells of a healthy individual showing a paler centre and a darker border. Occasionally the pale centre has an elongated shape (stomatocytes; at this frequency they have no pathological significance).
<p>Red blood cells of a healthy individual showing a paler centre and a darker border. Occasionally the pale centre has an elongated shape (stomatocytes; at this frequency they have no pathological significance).</p>
At the edge of a blood film normal red blood cells show no central pallor and look like spherocytes.
<p>At the edge of a blood film normal red blood cells show no central pallor and look like spherocytes.</p>
Red blood cells of a healthy individual. Normal red blood cells are a little smaller than the 'standard lymphocyte', which is pictured here.
<p>Red blood cells of a healthy individual. Normal red blood cells are a little smaller than the 'standard lymphocyte', which is pictured here.</p>
Trophozoites (rings) of Plasmodium falciparum are often thin and delicate, measuring on average 1/5 the diameter of the red blood cell. Rings may possess one or two chromatin dots. They may be found on the periphery of the RBC and multiple-infected RBC are not uncommon. Ring forms may become compact or pleomorphic, depending on the quality of the blood or if there is a delay in making smears.
<p>Trophozoites (rings) of Plasmodium falciparum are often thin and delicate, measuring on average 1/5 the diameter of the red blood cell. Rings may possess one or two chromatin dots. They may be found on the periphery of the RBC and multiple-infected RBC are not uncommon. Ring forms may become compact or pleomorphic, depending on the quality of the blood or if there is a delay in making smears. </p>
Schistocytes (->) and thrombocytopenia in a patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This disease, as well as for example thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), is a so-called 'microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia' (MAHA). Characteristic of MAHA is a responsive increase in the production of red blood cells and platelets whose immature precursors (reticulocytes and immature platelet fraction, IPF) can be measured on certain Sysmex analysers. On a blood film the differential diagnosis of MAHA is not possible.
<p>Schistocytes (->) and thrombocytopenia in a patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This disease, as well as for example thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), is a so-called 'microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia' (MAHA). Characteristic of MAHA is a responsive increase in the production of red blood cells and platelets whose immature precursors (reticulocytes and immature platelet fraction, IPF) can be measured on certain Sysmex analysers. On a blood film the differential diagnosis of MAHA is not possible.</p>
Schizont of Plasmodium malariae in a malaria infection.
<p>Schizont of Plasmodium malariae in a malaria infection. </p>
Cell description:
Size: 12-15 µm
Nucleus: clumped chromatin and mostly divided into 2-5 distinct segments connected with filaments
Cytoplasm: acidophilic with many fine reddish granules spread evenly Function: phagocytosis, play an important role in the unspecific immune defense, in the tissue they defend the mucosa against bacteria and fungi
<p>Cell description: </p> <p>Size: 12-15 µm </p> <p>Nucleus: clumped chromatin and mostly divided into 2-5 distinct segments connected with filaments </p> <p>Cytoplasm: acidophilic with many fine reddish granules spread evenly Function: phagocytosis, play an important role in the unspecific immune defense, in the tissue they defend the mucosa against bacteria and fungi</p>
White blood cells 600/μL, granulocytes 10% (absolute: 60/μL), haemoglobin concentration 6 g/dL and platelets 10,000/μL. Diagnosis: severe aplastic anaemia. Monitoring before stem cell transplantation.
<p>White blood cells 600/μL, granulocytes 10% (absolute: 60/μL), haemoglobin concentration 6 g/dL and platelets 10,000/μL. Diagnosis: severe aplastic anaemia. Monitoring before stem cell transplantation.</p>