Scientific Image Gallery

<p>In the impedance channel of a haematology analyser a falsely elevated platelet concentration of 850,000/μL was measured. This was caused by precipitated cryoglobulin in cryoglobulinaemia. The flocculated cryoglobulin is visible in the phase contrast microscope in between the red blood cell 'rouleaux'.</p>

<p>A large number of flocculated cryoglobulins become visible when the condenser is lowered and no microscope oil is applied.</p>

<p>Cell of a follicular lymphoma. The deeply indented nucleus is characteristic.</p>

<p>Fragmented red blood cells and thrombocytopenia in the case of a thrombotic thrombo­cytopenic purpura (TTP). In the partially thrombosed capillaries the red blood cells are exposed to a high degree of shearing force, which causes them to burst.</p>

<p>Blood film of a normal blood sample, which had frozen in the postbox. One can only recognise red blood cell 'shadows' or 'ghosts'.</p>

<p>Gametocyte in a patient infected with Plasmodium falciparum. </p>

<p>Bone marrow histology (periodic acid Schiff stain, PAS) displaying macrophages on the left, with a cytoplasm resembling crinkled parchment. They are so-called 'Gaucher' cells. Gaucher's disease is characterised by a congenital defect of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase leading to an increase of certain glycolipids (cerebrosides) inside the macrophages. On the right side of the picture the bone marrow appears normal.</p>

<p>Giant platelet with prominent granulation from a patient with essential thrombocythaemia (ET). (Defective haematopoiesis causes detectable poikilocytosis.)</p>

<p>Giant platelets have their name derived from their size exceeding the size of a normal red blood cell. </p>