Book Peripheral Smear Test

A blood smear is a blood sample that is analyzed on a specially prepared slide. A laboratory worker examines the slide under a microscope to determine the size, shape, and number of different types of blood cells for a blood smear test. Here are a few observations:

• Red blood cells are responsible for supplying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
• White blood cells are anti-infective cells.
• Platelets, which help your blood to clot.

Computers are used to analyze the results of several CBC tests. The lab pathologist examines a blood smear for blood cell issues that may not be visible on computer analysis.

Other terms for this test include peripheral blood smear (Pbs), peripheral blood film, smear, blood film, manual differential, differential slide, blood cell morphology, and blood smear analysis.

If your total blood count results are abnormal, you may require a blood smear. A complete blood count (CBC) is a regular test that evaluates many different aspects of your blood. If you have symptoms of a blood disorder, your doctor may also request a blood smear. Among these signs are:

• Fatigue Jaundice is a disorder in which your skin and eyes turn yellow
• Skin tone is light
• Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds
• Fever
• Bone ache

If your health care physician suspects you have a parasitic condition, such as malaria, you may require a blood smear. When a blood smear is examined under a microscope, parasites may be visible.

A blood smear may be ordered by your healthcare professional for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples:

• to investigate anomalies discovered on a complete blood count (CBC), such as an abnormally high or low red blood cell count, white blood cell count, or platelet count
• to assess an infection (identifying the types of white blood cells present can help determine if an infection is viral, bacterial, or parasitic)
• to check for the reason of unexplained jaundice, unexplained weight loss (defined as a loss of 5 percent of body weight over 6 months)
• to assess symptoms of lightheadedness and paleness (paleness)
• to check for causes of petechia, bruising, or excessive bleeding in patients with a low platelet count, to establish whether the reason is increased degradation or decreased production (based on the size)
• to check for reasons of spleen, liver, or lymph node enlargement

A blood sample is obtained from an arm vein or by pricking a finger, or, in the case of a newborn, the heel.

Typically, there is no such harm associated with the peripheral smear test. When the needle pricks the arm or finger of those taking the test, they may feel a mild sting.

• The number and type of white blood cells (differential, or percentage of each type of cell)
• The number and type of blood cells that are abnormally shaped
• An approximation of white blood cells, red blood cells and, platelet numbers.

Normal Results:

A blood smear is rated normal if your blood contains a sufficient number of cells and the cells appear normal.