QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Heinz bodies are red blood cells with areas of dark staining within them. This is due to precipitated haemoglobin. Due to the lack of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the red blood cells cannot cope with any increase in oxidative stress. In this case, the oxidative stress has come from the broad beans.
10027906
a
Heinz bodies
QuestionChoice
Howell-Jolly bodies describe red blood cells with inclusions of DNA or nuclear fragments. Normally these cells would be removed by the spleen, so they may be seen in someone post splenectomy.
10027909
d
Howell-Jolly bodies
QuestionChoice
Target cells are typically seen in thalassaemia and after splenectomy. They are pale with an outer rim and central ring of staining, giving them a target appearance. Heinz bodies, which are seen in G6PD deficiency, are typically darker staining than normal due to precipitated haemoglobin.
10027908
c
Target cells
QuestionChoice
Sickle cells are classic of sickle cell disease due to the presence of HbS rather than normal adult Hb. Heinz bodies, which are seen in G6PD deficiency, are a normal shape but darker in colour due to precipitated haemoglobin.
10027907
b
Sickle-shaped cells
QuestionChoice
Hereditary spherocytosis and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia are causes of round red blood cells (spherocytes). In G6PD deficiency, Heinz bodies are normally seen, which are normally shaped red blood cells which are darker stained.
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e
Spherocytes
Concept
Chapter
2693
6016
G6PD deficiency
Topic
157
Haematology
17979
A three-year-old boy is seen after becoming very unwell. He is visibly jaundiced and more fatigued than usual. His parents are very worried as they also noted dark urine this morning. They say this seems to have started following eating a new dish containing broad beans. A blood film is done and the results help diagnose G6PD deficiency.

What was likely seen on the blood film?
a