

Blood Smear

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Formal name: Peripheral Blood Smear

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To evaluate your red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, to distinguish between the different types of WBCs, and to determine their relative percentages in the blood; to help detect, diagnose, and/or monitor a range of deficiencies, diseases, and disorders involving blood cell production, function, and lifespan

When to Get Tested?

When complete blood count (CBC) and/or automated WBC differential results are abnormal or when you have signs and symptoms that a health practitioner suspects are due to a condition affecting your blood cells

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or by pricking a finger, ear or, in the case of an infant, a heel

Test Preparation Needed?