Peripheral Blood Smear Test

Peripheral blood smear test

This is a simple blood test used to assess various blood related abnormalities in red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) or platelets. In this test blood smear is used to detect various diseases by looking under microscope. 

The different cells seen under microscope are-

1. Red blood cells-which carry oxygen in our body

2. White blood cells-which fight various infections

3. Platelets-which help in clotting of blood

The above mentioned cells are formed and mature in bone marrow and are then released into blood.

Why is peripheral blood smear test prescribed?

Your health care provider may prescribe this test in following conditions;

1. To differentiate the type of infection like bacterial, viral or parasitic etc and look for its severity

2. To further assess if any abnormalities are found in complete blood count test

3. To evaluate causes and type of anaemia

4. To evaluate causes of bruising or excessive bleeding

5. To detect sickle cell anaemia

6. To detect malaria

7. To find the cause of unexplained jaundice

8. To detect causes of liver, spleen or lymph node enlargement

9.To detect malignancy and bone marrow disorder.

What are components of peripheral smear test?

The test helps to detect various abnormalities in above mentioned cells such as-

1-number 

2-size 

3-shape

4-with WBCs-number of different subtypes like lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, etc

5-other findings like malaria parasite

6-other features like –inclusions, cell clumping, fragmentation etc

This test is done mostly along with CBC (complete blood count) as combination of these tests is most useful.

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for peripheral smear test is taken from the body by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel little pain due to needle prick. The blood collected is made into a smear on a glass slide and special stains are put on it.