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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/1217.htm

Red blood cells, tear-drop shape

Red blood cells, tear-drop shape

Overview

This photomicrograph shows one of the abnormal shapes that red blood cells (RBCs) may assume, a tear-drop shape. Normally, RBCs are round.

Review Date 10/16/2022

Updated by: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.