Activated lymphocytes are typically activated effector T cells.
Increased numbers of these cells usually indicate viral infection.
Appearance
The abundant cytoplasm of is a translucent-looking blue with a basophilic periphery that is indented by red blood cells.
Lookalikes
Activated lymphocytes can be confused with monocytes, as they can both be large. Monocytes, however, have a ground glass cytoplasm instead of a basophilic periphery. They also have a lacey nucleus instead of clumpy. If monocytes are indented by red blood cells, it is not to the same extent.
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