Blister cells, or hemighost cells as they are also known are red blood cells that have a blister or bubble like appearance on their surface. It is as if the haemoglobin is pushed to a side of the cell with the rest appearing ’empty’.

Blister cells form due to the accumulation of oxidised haemoglobin within red blood cells. This process can occur in individuals with a genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. G6PD is an enzyme that plays a critical role in protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress, which can occur due to exposure to certain drugs, infections, or other stressors.

In individuals with G6PD deficiency, the red blood cells are unable to produce enough G6PD enzyme to handle oxidative stress, leading to an accumulation of oxidized haemoglobin within the cell. This causes the red blood cell membrane to become unstable and develop a blister-like protrusion.

Blister cells can also form as a result of physical trauma to the red blood cells, such as shear stress from a mechanical heart valve or exposure to certain chemicals or toxins. However, in most cases, blister cells are primarily associated with G6PD deficiency.

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Images from personal photography.