It is also important to scan the slide for the presence of other large cells which are not usually seen in normal marrow. An osteoclast is an example of this type of cell. Osteoclasts are large multiinucleated cells (up to 100 microns) which may be confused with megakaryocytes. One striking difference is that an osteoclast has multiple nuclei which are separate from each other. The multiple nuclei in the megakaryocyte are joined together. The cytoplasm, although somewhat finer in texture, could be mistaken for platelets.
