Schistocytes result from red cell fragmentation. The identification of the schistocytes is critical for decisions on appropriate management of the patients. Detection of schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear is an abnormal finding, which raises the occurrence of a microangiopathy. The avaibility of effective treatment prompted the urgency to establish this crucial diagnosis. Nevertheless, schistocytes can be observed in a broader spectrum of disorders than thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome, or might be delayed even absent.