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Scanning electron microscopy of normal human peripheral blood cells
Taiwan Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy reveals unique surface features for identifying peripheral blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis of abnormal cell samples.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Peripheral blood cell morphology is crucial for diagnosing various conditions.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offers high-resolution surface imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the surface morphology of normal peripheral blood cells using SEM.
- To establish distinct topographic features for different blood cell types.
Main Methods:
- Venous blood from 16 healthy subjects was processed for SEM.
- Cells were fixed, stained, dehydrated, dried, and metal-coated.
- Light microscopy and SEM were used for observation and photography.
Main Results:
- Erythrocytes showed biconcave shapes and rouleaux formation.
- Neutrophils displayed irregular ridges and pits; lymphocytes had microvilli.
- Monocytes had folding processes; eosinophils appeared villous and granular.
- Platelets existed as discoid or pseudopodia-bearing activated forms.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral blood cells possess unique surface characteristics identifiable by SEM.
- SEM-based topographic analysis can aid in cytodiagnosis of abnormal samples.