Acanthocytes

This test is used to describe an atypical shape of red blood cells examined under the microscope in an abnormal complete blood count.

Acanthocytes – Red blood cells with unevenly spaced spiked projections that have blunted ends. They are found in advanced liver diseases such as alcoholic cirrhosis and in certain anemias, due to the rupture of the membrane of the red blood cells (hemolytic anemias), and more rarely, due to congenital causes.