Intravascular hemolysis due to mechanical etiologies is usually accompanied by the presence of __________ on the peripheral blood smear.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mechanical damage to red blood cells can cause them to be fragmented, resulting in the formation of small, irregularly shaped cells called schistocytes. Therefore, the presence of schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear is indicative of intravascular hemolysis due to mechanical etiologies. Target cells, sickle cells, ovalocytes, and spherocytes are not necessarily specific to mechanical hemolysis.

Intravascular Hemolysis Due to Mechanical Etiologies Is Usually Accompanied by the Presence