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Peripheral Smear Examination

Interpreting Results

Overview of P/S

What is P/S?

The blood smear is primarily ordered to evaluate blood cells when a CBC with differential, performed with an automated blood cell counter, indicates the presence of abnormal or immature cells. It may also be performed when a person has signs and symptoms that suggest a condition affecting blood cell production or lifespan. Examples of signs and symptoms that may indicate one of these blood disorders include weakness, fatigue, pale complexion, unexplained jaundice, fever, excessive bleeding episodes, easy bruising, or frequent nose bleeds, enlargement of spleen, bone pain. A blood smear may also be ordered on a regular basis when a person is being treated or monitored for a blood cell-related disorder.

Why is P/S done?

  1. If you have signs or symptoms of anemia like weakness, fatigue, pale complexion, unexplained jaundice, enlargement of spleen 
  2. If the resolts of your complete blood count (CBC) or WBC differential is abnormal
  3. If you have signs or symptoms suggestive of a condition affecting red blood cell production or lifespan 

Preparation for P/S


Sample Type for P/S

The sample type collected for Peripheral Smear Examination is: Blood

Interpreting P/S results


 Finding from peripheral smear are not always diagnostic and usually indicate the presence of an underling condition. The results should always be correlated with patient's history and other laboratory tests. The results include a description of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Some common examples of diseases which can be detected by peripheral smear examination are iron deficiency anemia, anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B12, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemias, bone marrow disorders, myeloproliferative diseases 

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