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Alternative names Return to top
Peripheral smearDefinition Return to top
This blood test provides information about the number and shape of blood cells by visual inspection.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
The blood is examined under a microscope. It may be examined by an automated "calculator," a technologist, a hematologist, or a pathologist. The smear shows the relative number and kinds of white blood cells (differential), abnormalities in the shape of all types of blood cells, and a rough estimate of white cell and platelet counts.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is necessary.
For infants and children, the preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experience. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
How the test will feel Return to top
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.Why the test is performed Return to top
This test may be performed as part of a general health examination, to help in the diagnosis of many illnesses, or when an abnormality of any type of blood cell is suspected.Normal Values Return to top
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Red cell abnormalities such as size, shape, hypochromia (lack of color), polychromatophilia (multiple colors), rouleaux (nonspecific coating by serum globulins) are determined. Some abnormalities may be graded on a 4 point scale:
The presence of target cells may indicate:
The presence of elliptocytes may indicate hereditary elliptocytosis.
The presence of schistocytes may indicate:
The presence of reticulocytes (more than 2% of total red cells; seen with special stain) may indicate hemolytic anemia or hemorrhage.
The presence of basophilic stippling may indicate:
The presence of sickle cells may indicate sickle cell anemia.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks are Return to top
The risks associated with having blood drawn are minimal:
Special considerations Return to top
The accuracy of this test depends, in part, on the experience of the person examining the sample. Experienced cell examiners can determine significant amounts of information from the blood smear. Update Date: 9/14/2003 Updated by: Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Center; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |