PERIPHERAL SMEAR EXAMINATION

A peripheral smear examination is a laboratory test conducted to check the morphology of blood

cells including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. To do this, we take a drop of the patient’s blood which is then spread onto the slide that will be stained by dye before being viewed using microscope.

Peripheral smear examination is an essential diagnostic tool that aids in identifying different blood disorders like anaemia, leukaemia and infection. Through assessing characteristics of shape, size, colour and arrangement among others of these cells, doctors can have more insight into these diseases.

A peripheral smear examination assesses the following in blood cells:

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): size, shape, colour and presence of inclusions

2. White Blood Cells (WBCs): type, size, shape and presence of inclusions

3. Platelets: size, shape and presence of inclusions

4. Distribution and arrangement of blood cells

Peripheral smear examination is usually ordered when patients have symptoms such as:

1. Anaemia or abnormal blood counts.

2. Infections or inflammations.

3. Unexplained bleeding or bruising.

4. Suspected blood-related disorders like leukaemia or lymphoma.

The peripheral smear examination is relatively safe and non-invasive. However, there are some limitations to consider:

1. This test cannot identify all blood related disorders or abnormalities.

2. Sometimes various factors like quality of blood sample, staining technique used, and microscope being utilized may influence its results.

3. Some other tests may be needed to verify whether someone has a specific condition or not.

Medical professionals evaluate the following parameters during the Peripheral Smear Examination:

Red Blood Cell (RBC) morphology:

1. Size and shape

2. Colour and presence of inclusions

3. Presence of anisocytosis (unequal cell size)

4. Presence of poikilocytosis (abnormal cell shape)

White Blood Cell (WBC) morphology:

1. Type and number of WBCs

2. Presence of blast cells or immature forms

3. Presence of inclusions or vacuoles.

Platelet morphology:

1. Size and shape

2. Presence of inclusions or vacuoles.

3. Platelet count.

The people who would be recommended for this test include those who;

1. Have symptoms related to blood-related disorders like anaemia.

2. Have a relative/s with these diseases mentioned earlier.

3. Are currently undergoing cancer chemotherapy sessions, radiotherapy, etc.

4. Have their immunity significantly reduced due to medications that they may be on e.g. immunosuppressive drugs.

The Peripheral Smear Examination provides several benefits, including:

1. Early detection and diagnosis of blood-related disorders

2. Monitoring of treatment effectiveness

3. Identification of potential bleeding or clotting disorders

4. Detection of infections or inflammatory conditions

The peripheral smear examination is a test that is used to diagnose several conditions including:

1. Anaemia such as iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency

2. Blood related diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

3. Infections for instance sepsis and meningitis.

4. Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and vasculitis.

5. Bleeding or clotting disorders which could be haemophilia or thrombophilia.

There are no specific preparations required for the Peripheral Smear Examination. However:

Prerequisites: A blood sample is a prerequisite.

Eligibility: This test can be done on individuals of all ages.

Procedure for Taking the Test: A healthcare provider will collect either a veinous blood or finger stick sample from you.

Caution Before the Test: Let your healthcare provider know about any medication or supplement you are taking.