[Morphologic changes of red blood cells in various conditions under scanning electron microscope]

To study the changes of RBC in various conditions, blood clots elapsed 6 days in water and air and bloodstains stored in variant time were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the morphology of RBC elapsed 6 days in water and air seemed to retain their integrity. They were measured 5, 48-5, 88 microns in diameter, whereas the RBC in the bloodstains stored 14 years were obviously disfigured and some appeared membrane cracking. However, the structure of RBC membrane was well recognized under the SEM. The morphological changes under the SEM and the forensic significance of the RBC were discussed.