Burr Cells (Echinocytes)
Here’s what it reflects — and what to do about it.
Longetic pulls together every lab and record you’ve had, follows how Burr Cells (Echinocytes) changes over time, and explains what’s shifting — so you walk into your next appointment prepared, with reminders for retests along the way.
What is Burr Cells (Echinocytes)?
Red blood cells with small even bumps around the edge that a lab may see on a blood smear.
Burr cells, also called echinocytes, are red blood cells whose surface shows regular short projections when viewed under the microscope. They are a finding a lab sees on a blood smear rather than a number you can track over time. Their presence can be associated with certain kidney or metabolic conditions, and sometimes they appear simply from how the sample was handled. A lab notes them when reviewing the shape of red blood cells.
What to know about Burr Cells (Echinocytes)
Understanding Burr Cells (Echinocytes) means knowing what it reflects, what tends to move it, and the signs that suggest it’s worth a closer look — so you can bring the right questions to your next appointment.
This glossary entry is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
References
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Official sources
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Peer-reviewed research
Original research articles and systematic reviews published in indexed journals and verified through PubMed or DOI.