What appearance would ghost RBCs typically have when observed microscopically?

Ghost red blood cells (RBCs) are characterized by their appearance when observed under a microscope after the lysis of hemoglobin. When RBCs swell and burst due to various factors such as osmotic imbalances, they leave behind an empty cell membrane. This results in a cell that is pale and virtually colorless, as the hemoglobin, which gives RBCs their characteristic red color, has been lost. Therefore, the appearance of ghost RBCs aligns with the pale and colorless description, making this the correct choice for identifying them microscopically.

Understanding the context of ghost RBCs' formation, they can occur during certain pathological conditions, such as hemolytic anemias or when blood is diluted excessively. This knowledge is crucial as it helps differentiate them from other cell types that might present differently under microscopic evaluation.