Sickle cells are also known as drepanocytes, coming from the Greek word for sickle (drepano). These cells have the abnormal hemoglobin S which polymerizes under oxidative stress to form their characteristic shape. Sickle cells are rigid and do not easily deform to pass through blood vessels. The cells can clog the vessel, leading to pain crisis.
Appearance
Sickle cells are thin, crescent-shaped cells with pointed ends, usually lacking central pallor.
Lookalikes
Sickle cells may be mistaken for elliptocytes, as they are both thin. However, elliptocytes will have parallel edges and rounded ends instead of being pointy or crescent-shaped. They will also have central pallor.
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