Echinocytes (burr cells)

Echinocytes (burr cells) have multiple short, blunt projections uniformly spaced over the cell surface. The central pallor is retained. Echinocytes can be seen in uremia and liver disease. They can also be seen as an artifact of slide preparation or prolonged specimen storage. Echinocytes are often confused with acanthocytes (spur cells). However, the projections of echinocytes are smaller and more regular than those of acanthocytes.