What type of cells would smudge cells be classified as in a CLL smear?

Smudge cells are classified as a type of white blood cell seen in the context of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These cells are fragile lymphocytes that have undergone mechanical trauma during the preparation of the blood smear, resulting in their distinctive appearance. Specifically, they appear as single-cell remnants with a nucleus that is often difficult to visualize due to its fragility, making them look smeared. The presence of smudge cells in a blood smear is commonly associated with high lymphocyte counts, a hallmark of CLL. This characteristic aids in diagnosing the condition, highlighting the importance of recognizing these cells specifically among white blood cells, as they are not found in red blood cells, blast cells, or platelets.