Peripheral Blood Smear Test

clinical definition of peripheral blood smear

A procedure in which a sample of blood is viewed under a microscope to count different circulating blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.) and see whether the cells look normal. It evaluates the white blood cells (WBCs, leukocytes), red blood cells (RBCs, erythrocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). Blood smear is examined to investigate hematological problems (disorders of the blood) and, occasionally, to look for parasites within the blood such as malaria and filaria.

when do you expect results?

24 to 36 Hours

why get tested?

A blood smear reveals information about the number and shape of blood cells in the body. Peripheral blood smear test is ordered as part of a general health exam to help diagnose many illnesses

It helps diagnose if red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are normal in appearance and number

It distinguishes between the various kinds of white blood cells

Helps determine their relative percentages in the blood

It also helps diagnose a range of deficiencies, diseases and during chemo/radiation therapy

In the evaluation for hemoglobin variants

Determines presence of Malaria / Filaria

reason to take peripheral blood smear test

Common signs are:

A general feeling of tiredness or weakness

Lack of energy

Frequent infections

Fatigue

Bone and joint pain

Excessive bleeding and bruising

Fever

Weakness

Fatigue

Weight loss

Swollen lymph nodes, liver, spleen, kidneys, and testicles

Frequent infections

Headaches

Vomiting

Confusion

Seizures (may occur when cells are increased in the brain or central nervous system)

Night sweat

preparations needed for peripheral blood smear test

No Fasting Required.

No other special preparations required

sample required?

Specimen type :Serum(Blood Sample), Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture

(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

Understanding results ofPeripheral blood smear

Reference Range	Interpretation
Parasites	Negative
Hemoglobin	See Individual test
WBC	See Individual test
RBC	See Individual test
Differential count	See Individual test
pHs	7.35- 7.45

‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges’

Red blood cell morphology