Do schistocytes in a blood smear report suggest thalassemia minor?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am attaching my latest blood smear report, which shows I have schistocytes. I did not have them initially, so I repeated my blood tests to confirm, and they were not there the next time. However, I always had elliptocytes in my blood.
I have been taking folic acid supplements as suggested by my doctor. Also, I have had blood smear, hemogram, LDH, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin levels checked.
Do I have thalassemia or microangiopathic hemolytic anemia?
Kindly advise.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I have reviewed your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Your reports point towards thalassemia minor (or carrier) or recovery from iron deficiency. Additionally, certain allergic conditions can increase your eosinophils and basophils. You must continue taking vitamin B12, folic acid, pyridoxine, and vitamin D supplements.
Additionally, consider using antihistamines and leukotriene inhibitors to manage allergies. You can ask your doctor to prescribe deworming medication for you. I suggest you repeat the hemoglobin electrophoresis test and gene mutation testing for thalassemia.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am sharing the reports of my recent electrophoresis. One of the blood smears shows schistocytes. Should I be worried about it?
Kindly advise.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Your hemoglobin electrophoresis test is normal. However, as you might have thalassemia minor, I suggest you continue using the supplements and undergo gene mutation testing.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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