What term describes red blood cells with cellular protrusions and fragments?

The term that describes red blood cells exhibiting cellular protrusions and fragments is dysmorphic red blood cells. These abnormalities can indicate various pathological conditions, often related to glomerular damage or hemolysis. The presence of such cells can provide important diagnostic information in the context of kidney disease, as they typically arise when red blood cells pass through a damaged glomerulus, experiencing deformation or fragmentation in the process. This degree of alteration distinguishes dysmorphic red blood cells from normal red blood cells, which maintain a uniform, biconcave shape without such protrusions or fragments. Recognizing the characteristics of these altered cells plays a vital role in urinary sediment analysis and can assist healthcare professionals in determining underlying health issues.