Sickle Cells (Drepanocytes)

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Red Blood Cell (RBC) Morphology. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Red Blood Cell (RBC) Morphology (online CE course)
Sickle Cells (Drepanocytes)

Sickle cells, also referred to as drepanocytes, are formed as a result of the presence of hemoglobin S in the red cell. As the red cell ages, it becomes rigid as it passes through the low oxygen tension atmosphere of the small capillaries in the body. In the absence of oxygen, hemoglobin S polymerizes into rods, causing the sickle cell shape. The shape of sickle cells can vary from cigar-shaped, as shown in the upper image, to the more severe sickled form, shown in the bottom image.