Erythrocyte Inclusions

Excerpt

The laboratory investigation of hematological disorders usually begins with a complete blood count performed using automated hematology analyzers that provide information on the number, size, and structure of the blood cells, including erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are ordinarily round and biconcave. RBCs have a thin cellular membrane and a cytoplasm that contains hemoglobin, a heme-containing protein for oxygen transport. Disorders that affect RBCs can lead to reduced production, abnormalities of shape or size, or qualitative and quantitative abnormalities of hemoglobin. Erythrocyte inclusions are seen in many RBC disorders. Erythrocyte inclusions may be pathological evidence of specific diseases or disorders when interpreted within the context of presenting clinical symptoms and signs. Characterizing and identifying RBC inclusions can provide or support the diagnosis of various clinical disorders.