Schistocytes per 1,000 Red Blood Cells, Peripheral Blood Smear
This test examines a peripheral blood smear to count fragmented red blood cells, called schistocytes, per 1,000 red blood cells viewed.
["An increased schistocyte count may indicate red blood cell fragmentation caused by a mechanical or microvascular problem."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51630-2
- Short code
- Schistocytes/1000 RBC NFr Bld Smear
- Synonyms
- Schistocytes/1000 RBC NFr Bld Smear
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test?
A peripheral blood smear is a blood test in which a laboratory technician examines red blood cells under a microscope. The schistocyte count reports the number of fragmented red cells seen for every 1,000 red cells examined.
What Are Schistocytes?
Schistocytes are irregularly shaped red blood cell fragments, often described as helmet cells or triangular cells. They can form when red cells are damaged while passing through small blood vessels.
Why Is the Test Ordered?
The test may help evaluate unexplained anemia, low blood cell counts, jaundice, or other signs of red blood cell destruction. Results are interpreted with the rest of the blood count, the blood smear, and the clinical situation.
What Do Results Mean?
More schistocytes than expected may occur with mechanical heart-valve damage, small-vessel disorders, severe blood pressure changes, or certain other conditions. An increased count does not identify the cause by itself, and occasional schistocytes can be seen in other settings.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinically, a clearly elevated schistocyte count can support the presence of microangiopathic hemolysis, meaning red blood cells are being mechanically damaged in the circulation. This finding may prompt urgent evaluation when accompanied by anemia, low platelets, neurologic symptoms, fever, or kidney problems.
Short name
Schistocyte Count
Frequently asked questions
Does the test show why red blood cells are fragmented?
Is a peripheral blood smear the same as a routine blood count?
Does a low or normal result rule out a serious condition?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy