HEMATOLOGY: Question 3

What is the condition commonly associated with the cell pointed?

ANS:  UREMIA

NOTES:

Burr cells - aka echinocytes/crenated cells

                   - associated diseases: uremia or pyruvate kinase deficiency

                   - frequent artifacts:  excess EDTA (underfilled collection tube), slow drying, drying in a
                      humid environment, or an alkaline pH from glass slides

True burr cells are less numerous vs artifact burr cells.

SOURCE: www.labce.com/spg28876_burr_cells_echinocytes.aspx