Dacrocytes or teardrop cells as they are also referred to are abnormal red cells characterised by their distinctive ‘teardrop’ / ‘pear’ shape. They are rounded at one end and taper off at the other. They are seen in a range of different conditions:

• Myelofibrosis (bone marrow fibrosis).
• Severe dyserythropoiesis.
• Haemolytic anaemia.
• Thalassaemia major.

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Image from personal photography.