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Microspherocytes are formed following direct physical trauma to the RBCs and are frequently seen in cases of burns, heated sample and toxin induced damage. As noted here, microspherocytes are also often observed as part of the spectrum of fragmented RBCs in microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia (like DIC). These cells are notable for densely stained cytoplasm, lack of central pallor and smaller size than typical spherocytes. They can be counted as platelets by automated analyzers due to their size, leading to erroneous overestimation of platelets. Other causes of spurious thrombocytosis include very small RBCs (severe iron deficiency anaemia), cryoglobulins, cytoplasmic fragments of nucleated cells (leukemia/lymphoma), lipids and microorganisms.