Peripheral Smear Examination

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is used to evaluate your blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and note any abnormal differences in their size, shape, or other physical appearances, such as those seen in various anemias, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other disorders.

Human blood comprises three major components, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, and they are essential for various physiological processes in the body. RBCs are the abundant cells in the blood that consist of a protein called hemoglobin which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. WBCs are the part of the immune system that helps protect the body against infections and other diseases. Platelets are small cell fragments that help form clots to stop bleeding after an injury. As each of these blood cell types performs vital functions in the body, determining any sort of abnormalities in them helps provide important health information.

The Peripheral Smear Examination test also known as peripheral blood smear test is advised to detect and diagnose a wide range of conditions such as anemia, parasitic infections, bleeding disorders, certain cancers, and other blood-related diseases. This test can provide important insights into the patient's overall health status and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. It is also helpful to check any blood anomaly when you are being treated for a disease with medications that may affect blood cell production. You may need this test when you experience symptoms such as fatigue; bruising; unusual bleeding; consistent fever; jaundice; pinpoint red dots on the skin; enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph node; and unintentional weight loss.  

No special preparation is needed for a peripheral blood smear test. You can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine. However, inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins that you are currently taking as some of them can affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate an overall treatment plan.