A radiograph of the feet and ankles revealed no abnormalities but a FBC with a smear revealed a hypochromic, microcytic anaemia (Hb 8.2 g/dL) with teardrop cells, scanty
pencil cells, target cells and mild poikilocytosis.
Peripheral blood films in these cases revealed hypochromia and microcytosis, target cells and schistocytes and
pencil cells in those with iron deficiency complicating beta thalassemia trait.
In addition, a flashlight, guns, 125 meters of flexi wire and five
pencil cells were also recovered and confiscated.
The police claimed that
pencil cells were used in the blasts.
The normochromic blood film showed
pencil cells, some elliptocytes, and erythrocyte fragments.
It can be powered by four
pencil cells or an AC supply.